In a short time the boat returned with a petty officer, whose instructions were, if the master of the DOTTEREL did not lower the flag, he was to send one of his men aloft to do so. “All right,” said Captain Dobson. “I shan’t pull my flag down; you can do what you please.” The officer turned to his men and gave his orders. One tar after another tried to shin up the mast without success, and after several attempts the officer had to return and report the failure of his mission, and the DOTTEREL proceeded to sea.[24] The commander of the man-of-war having reported to the Admiralty, a correspondence ensued between that Department of the Government and the Cork Steamship Co., resulting in the Company placing a blue star in the centre of the St. George’s Cross on a white ensign, which now constitutes the distinguishing house-flag of that Company. In 1871 the business of the Cork Steamship Co. had increased to such an extent, it was considered desirable to separate the coasting from the foreign services, and to form two distinct companies. This was accordingly done, the former being registered under the title of the City of Cork Steam Packet Co., Ltd., and the latter under the style of the Cork Steamship Co., Ltd. Mr. Ebenezer Pike died in the year 1883, and was succeeded by his son, Mr. Joseph Pike, of Dunsland, co. Cork, as Chairman and Managing Director of the Company. When the Manchester Ship Canal was opened in 1894, one of the first foreign trading steamers to pass through the canal was the IBIS, belonging to the Cork Steamship Co. The Cork Steamship Co.’s steamer LESTRIS was the first steamer to enter Flushing Docks on the 8th September, 1873, being locked in with the King of Holland’s yacht. [Illustration: Mr. JOSEPH PIKE, J.P., D.L., Chairman Cork Steamship Co.] The later years of the Company have been unproductive of historical incidents, perhaps not altogether to the regret of the shareholders. The older steamers have been disposed of from time to time, and replaced by modern steamers of larger tonnage and greater power. Instead of steamers of 500 to 600 tons, the fleet at the present time (1903) consists of 16 powerful vessels, varying from 1,000 to 2,400 tons. FOOTNOTES: [24] Another account which bears the stamp of authority states that Captain Dobson did not carry off his flag in the manner stated. He lowered it under protest, and it was carried on board the man-of-war, but afterwards returned to the Company, and is now retained at the Head Office, Cork. CHAPTER IX. THE CUNARD STEAMSHIP COMPANY, LIMITED.