." We will return to the subject of this amiable advice.

Tristram had been kicking his heels for ten minutes or more in the draughty passage, and wondering if he should ever know the taste of food again, when the door opened on the landing above, and the old gentleman in blue and silver descended the stairs from his audience.
He was clearly in something of a hurry, and strode past our hero as if unaware of his presence, but turned on his heel at the end of the passage and came swiftly back.
"I ask your pardon, young man," he began, in a quick, foreign voice, "but I thought I heard his Majesty speaking to you of a Captain Runacles as I entered the room.

Forgive me if I seem too inquisitive, but do you happen to know Captain Jeremiah Runacles ?" "I know no reason, sir, against my answering.

I know him well, and love him." "Ha?
Where does he live ?" "In Harwich." "He keeps hale ?" "In excellent health for his age." "Could he still answer for himself with a small-sword ?--I mean not with a young adversary, but, say, with a man of my age ?" "I have not the slightest doubt of it, sir." Tristram stared at the old gentleman, who was of a tall unwieldy figure, short bull neck and choleric complexion.
"You will see him again shortly ?" "With God's help I shall see him in three days' time." "Then I'd be obliged by your taking him a message from me.

Tell him, sir, that I, Captain Van Adrienssen, may be heard of at The Hague at any time, and have not forgotten a certain promise of his (to cut my comb) which he uttered at one time when our ships lay alongside off the Texel.