“In Washington, staying at the same hotel with us. You may judge our surprise, and his triumph, when on reaching New York, three days since, we learned that the blockade runner _Argente_ had been captured by the United States man-of-war _Eagle_, and had been sent home as a prize, under the command of Lieut. Force. We came down to Washington by the first train—I and my party—to see you and Roland; but Capt. Grandiere avowedly to prove Silver to be a pirate, and to hang him. Capt. Grandiere will now also be able to prove that young Roland Bayard was captured by the pirates at the same time that his ship, the _Kitty_, was taken, and he, the skipper, taken prisoner. Capt. Grandiere’s evidence must vindicate Roland Bayard.” “Oh! if it only could! But, uncle, if Roland will not deny that he was a voluntary member of the pirate crew?” “He will deny it, when he knows the pirate lied to him and deceived him, and has no claim whatever to his forbearance, much less to his duty or affection,” said Mr. Force. It was growing late, and Mr. Force arose to go. “Uncle,” said Le, “why cannot you and the earl stay on board with me to-night? I can send a man with a note to the hotel to let the ladies know where you are, and I can make you up most comfortable berths in this cabin. And to-morrow we can all three go and breakfast with our friends,” pleaded the young man. “Le, my lad, I should like it extremely, but I cannot speak for Enderby,” replied the squire. “I propose this,” said the earl—“that I return to the hotel to take care of the ladies, and prepare them for your reception in the morning, leaving you here, Force, with your nephew.” The earl’s proposal was accepted by acclamation, and soon after he took his leave, and was rowed ashore, leaving the uncle and nephew to spend the night together on the ship. CHAPTER XVIII A TERRIBLE REVELATION “We must wait until Franklin comes on board,” said Leonidas Force, the next morning, as he stood beside Mr. Force, on the deck of the _Argente_, looking off toward the navy yard, where a boat had already been sent to bring out the young midshipman. “Will he be punctual?” inquired Mr. Force, who was almost as impatient as his companion to be off to keep their appointment to breakfast with the ladies of their family at the hotel that morning. “‘Punctual!’” echoed Le. “His orders are to report on board at seven this morning, and he will be here on time.” Mr. Force took out his watch and looked at it. “It wants twelve minutes to seven now!” he exclaimed. “And here comes Franklin!” replied Le, as the young midshipman was seen running across the yard down to the water’s edge, where the boat waited. As he jumped on board, the boat was seen to turn and head for the ship. In a few minutes it had crossed the water and come up alongside. Young Franklin sprang out and climbed up on deck. “Two minutes to seven! You are prompt, midshipman,” said Le, smiling.