"Well, I think I do," he said, smiling. "Decidedly not. As Mr Reardon would say, it would be totally subversive of discipline. It couldn't be done. But one gentleman can of course apologise to another, and I do so most heartily. My dear Mr Herrick, I beg your pardon for being so unjust." "Pray don't say any more about it, sir," I cried. "Well, no, I will not. But all the same I am very sorry--as a gentleman--that I--as your superior officer--spoke to you as I did." "Thank you, sir." "And, dear me, my lad, you look terribly hot and exhausted. Let me prescribe, as Mr Price would say." He quickly placed a lump of ice in a tumbler, and, after pouring in a little sherry, filled it up with soda-water. I grasped the glass, and drank with avidity the cool, refreshing draught to the last drop. "Humph! you were thirsty." "I was choking, sir," I said, with a sigh, as I placed the glass upon the table. "And now, Mr Herrick, perhaps it would be as well not to talk about this little interview," he said quietly. "I rely upon you as a gentleman." "Of course, sir," I replied; and feeling, in spite of the severe wigging I had had, that I never liked the captain half so well before, I backed out and hurried to my own cabin. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. WE LOSE OUR PRISONERS. "Here he is," cried Barkins, who was resting his leg; while Smith was sitting by the open window so as to catch all the air he could. "Got your promotion?" "Got my what?" I cried. "Promotion. I never saw such favouritism. Always being sent for to the skipper's cabin. I wonder Reardon stands it." "Don't talk nonsense," I cried. "Phew, isn't it hot?" "Yes, for us. Regular prisoners, while you have all the fun--" "Of being roasted, and then stoned by the Chinese." "That's right," said Smith sulkily, "make as little as you can of it. Did the skipper consult you about our next movement?" "He gave me a good bullying for not having the boat ready when he wanted to come on board." "Was that why you went in the cabin?" cried Barkins. "Of course." "Oh then, if that's the case, we'll let you off. Eh, Blacksmith?" "Well, I suppose so." "Let me off what?" "We had been discussing the matter," said Barkins, "Smithy and I, and come to the conclusion that as you were such a swell you were too good for us, and we were going to expel you; but, under the circumstances, I think we'll let you off this time. Oh!" "What's the matter?" "My leg! There's that horrible tingling and aching again. I'm sure that knife was poisoned." "Hi! look here," cried Smith just then; "here are two big row-boats coming out to us." We both made for the window, and there, in the bright sunshine, were two large barges, gay with gilding and showy ensigns, coming pretty swiftly in our direction, while, as they drew nearer, we could see that their occupants were in brilliant costumes and fully-armed, swords and spears flashing, and gold and silver embroidery lending their glow to the general effect.