button and Gaskin, serene, deferential and wearing an added dignity along with his new uniform, entered the cabin with a basket full of ice and bottles on his arm.
When his helpers had cleared the table, the fat fellow moved decorously from diner to diner, announcing each port of call by the subdued pop of a champagne cork muffled in his napkin. Madden shook his head when the solemn fellow bent solicitously over him. “Make mine water, Gaskin,” he requested in an undertone, laying three fingers over his goblet.
The cook changed almost imperceptibly from a straw colored bottle to a glittering carafe of water; then he moved to Caradoc.
The Englishman hesitated a moment, glanced at Madden and said, “Same thing, Gaskin.”
Captain Ames must have observed his action, and showed his silent approval by requesting water for himself. A few moments later the captain arose.
“Gentlemen,” he began in his crisp military voice, “His Majesty, and all England, are greatly pleased at the work of the South Atlantic fleet. In the report of our recent victory, the
