At this moment, the door opened, and Wycherly entered the room, in the state in which he had just dismounted.

It was necessary to throw but a single glance at his hurried manner, and general appearance, to know that he had something of importance to communicate, and Sir Gervaise made a sign for him not to speak.
"This is public service, Sir Wycherly," said the vice-admiral, "and I hope you will excuse us for a few minutes.

I beg this good company will be seated at table, as soon as dinner is served, and that you will treat us as old friends--as I should treat you, if we were on board the Plantagenet.

Admiral Bluewater, will you be of our conference ?" Nothing more was said until the two admirals and the young lieutenant were in the dressing-room of Sir Gervaise Oakes.

Then the latter turned, and addressed Wycherly, with the manner of a superior.
"I should have met you with a reproof, for this delay, young gentleman," he commenced, "did I not suspect, from your appearance, that something of moment has occurred to produce it.