You do not think that a man who enlists against his own country, even on the side of his rightful King, can be entitled to any respect ?" "Excuse me--" began the Commodore; but Captain Salt interrupted with a gentle wave of the hand.
"Tut, tut, my dear sir! Pray do not imagine that I resent this expression of your feelings.

On the contrary, I am grateful to you for treating me so frankly.

I have consolations.

Your sovereign"-- he pointed to the letter which M.de la Pailletine was folding up and placing in his breast-pocket--"has a more intelligent sense of my merits and my honour." "Doubtless, monsieur," the Commodore answered; "but permit me to suggest that the discussion of these matters is out of place on deck.
Suffer me, therefore, to conduct you to my cabin, which is at your disposal while you choose to honour us." The Englishman bowed and followed his host below.

Nor could Tristram, who had heard every sentence of their conversation, feel sufficiently thankful that he had finished painting the cabin windows three days before, and was not obliged to expose his face to the chance of recognition.