Since their departure from the fort the sky had become quite dark. At the end of the avenue they could see the lights of Governor Bourchier’s bungalow, and by and by caught sight of figures sitting on the veranda. Desmond’s heart beat high; he made no doubt that one of them was Clive; the moment to which he had looked forward so eagerly was at last at hand. He was in no dreamland; his dream had come true. He felt a little nervous at the prospect of meeting men so famous, so immeasurably above him, as Clive and Admiral Watson; but with Clive he felt a bond of union in his birthplace, and it was with recovered confidence that he sprang out of the cart and accompanied Mr. Johnson to the bungalow. He was further reassured by a jolly laugh that rang out just as he reached the steps leading up to the veranda. "Hallo, Johnson!" said a voice, "what does this mean?" "I’ve come to see the Governor, Captain." "Then you couldn’t have come at a worse time. The supper’s half an hour late, and you know what that means to the Governor." Mr. Johnson smiled. "He’ll forget his supper when he has heard my news. ’Tis about the Pirate." "What’s that?" said another voice. "News of the Pirate?" "Yes, Mr. Watson. This young gentleman----" But he was interrupted by the khansaman,[#] who came out at this moment and with a salaam announced that supper was served. [#] Butler. "You’d better come in, Johnson," said the first speaker. "Any news of the Pirate will be sauce to Mr. Bourchier’s goose." The gentlemen rose from their seats, and went into the house, followed by Desmond and the superintendent. In a moment Desmond found himself in a large room brilliantly lighted with candles. In the centre was a round table, and Mr. Bourchier, the Governor, was placing his guests. He did not look very pleasant, and when he saw Mr. Johnson he said: "You come at a somewhat unseasonable hour, sir. Cannot your business wait till the morning?" "I made bold to come, your Excellency, because ’tis a piece of news the like of which no one in Bombay has ever heard before. This young gentleman, Mr. Desmond Burke, son of Captain Burke, whom you’ll remember, sir, has escaped from Gheria." The Governor and his guests were by this time seated, and instantly all eyes were focussed on Desmond, and exclamations of astonishment broke from their lips. "Indeed! Bring chairs, Hossain." One of the native attendants left the room noiselessly, and returning with chairs placed them at the table. "Sit down, gentlemen. That is amazing news, as you say, Mr. Johnson. Perhaps Mr. Burke will relate his adventure as we eat."