“But we have no sailing orders, sir,” said Jack.

“You will have before morning,” was Lord Hastings reply.  “I don’t like to hurry you off, but the truth is I’m busy and will have to get down to work.”

“Sorry we have detained you so long,” said Jack.  “Goodbye, sir.”

They shook hands all around, and the lads wended their way to the harbor, where they soon were put on board their new ship.

“And now,” said Frank, “while we had a good time and all that, I hope this voyage won’t be interrupted.”

“My sentiments exactly,” Jack agreed.  “I want to have another look at America.”

CHAPTER XI

THE WARNING GIVEN

“Land Ho!”

The cry came from the forward lookout, posted aloft.

Jack clapped his binoculars to his eyes and gazed earnestly ahead.

“Where do you make our position, sir?” asked Lieutenant Hetherton.

“Off the Virginia Capes,” was Jack’s reply.  “We should pick up Fort Monroe before noon.”

Jack was a good prophet.  It still lacked half an hour of midday when the outlines of the historic fortress at Old Point became distinguishable in the distance.

The Essex slipped quietly through the smooth waters of Hampton Roads and dropped anchor some distance off shore.  At Jack’s command the launch was made ready, and leaving Lieutenant Hetherton in command, Jack motioned Frank to follow him into the launch.

A moment later they were gliding shoreward through the water.

“We’ll have to pay our respects to the commandant,” said Jack.  “It would be a breach of etiquette if we didn’t.  Also, I want to ascertain the best place to anchor for the next week or so.”

“Surely you’re not figuring on staying here,” protested Frank.

“Not at all, but you know these papers I have been entrusted with must be delivered, and I can’t deliver them here.  I’ll have to go to Washington.”

“Right,” Frank agreed.  “I had forgotten.  And are you going to take me along?”

Jack smiled.

“Well, I might, if you are real good,” he said.

“I’ll be good,” Frank promised.

“Hello,” said Jack at this point, “if I’m not mistaken, here comes a guard of honor to escort us to the commandant.”

Toward the point where the launch now moved, half a dozen American officers approached.  They extended helping hands as Jack and Frank scrambled ashore.  Jack addressed the senior officer, a major.

“I am Captain Templeton of H.M.S.  Essex,” he said.  “Will you please escort me into the presence of the commandant?”

“With pleasure, sir,” replied the major.  “Come with me.”

He led the way, Frank and the other American officers following.  Jack was received immediately by the commandant.  Their conference was brief, and soon Jack returned to the place where he had left Frank.