CHAPTER IV.
-- --"All with you; except three On duty, and our leader Israel, Who is expected momently." MARINO FALIERO.
As his fleet was safely anchored, and that too, in beautiful order, in spite of the fog, Sir Gervaise Oakes showed a disposition to pursue what are termed ulterior views.
"This has been a fine sight--certainly a very fine sight; such as an old seaman loves; but there must be an end to it," he said.

"You will excuse me, Sir Wycherly, but the movements of a fleet always have interest in my eyes, and it is seldom that I get such a bird's-eye view of those of my own; no wonder it has made me a somewhat unreflecting intruder." "Make no apologies, Sir Gervaise, I beg of you; for none are needed, on any account.

Though this head-land does belong to the Wychecombe property, it is fairly leased to the crown, and none have a better right to occupy it than His Majesty's servants.

The Hall is a little more private, it is true, but even that has no door that will close upon our gallant naval defenders.

It is but a short walk, and nothing will make me happier than to show you the way to my poor dwelling, and to see you as much at home under its roof, as you could be in the cabin of the Plantagenet." "If any thing could make me as much at home in a house as in a ship, it would be so hearty a welcome; and I intend to accept your hospitality in the very spirit in which it is offered.