Nor had the latter obtained his knowledge by any unworthy means.

He had been neither an eavesdropper, nor an inquirer into private communications, as so often happens around the persons of men in high trusts; all his knowledge having been obtained through native sagacity and unavoidable opportunities.

On the present occasion, the secretary, with the tact of a man of experience, felt that his presence might be dispensed with; and he cut short the discussion between the two admirals, by a very timely remark of his own.
"I have left the letters uncopied, Sir Gervaise," he said, "and will go and finish them.

A message by Locker"-- this was Sir Gervaise's body-servant--"will bring me back at a moment's notice, should you need me again to-night." "That Atwood has a surprising instinct, for a Scotchman!" exclaimed the vice-admiral, as soon as the door was closed on the secretary.

"He not only knows when he _is_ wanted, but when he is _not_ wanted.