I have persuaded his Majesty to accept the offer he declined a while ago, and to use your services." "In what way, my lord ?" "You will go at once to The Hague and find out the condition of Captain van Adrienssen.

If, as I suspect, he be unfit to travel, you will, with this authority, take over his papers and post to Amsterdam, where you will find the _Merry Maid_ frigate with her convoy.

You are to escort this convoy to the Thames--but you will read your instructions in the papers which Van Adrienssen will give you.

You, Captain Barker, are the senior, I believe.

Yes?
I thought so; and therefore you will take command.