“’Tis very good of you, sir; I accept with pleasure.”

“That’s right.  Now when you’ve finished that curry we’ll go out on the veranda.  Before you came they were talking of nothing but their dogs; but I wager ’tis nothing but the Pirate now.”

They soon rejoined the other gentlemen.

“Come, Mr. Burke,” said Admiral Watson, “we’ve been talking over the information you’ve given us.  You’ve nothing to do, I suppose?”

“I’ve just suggested that he should read up navigation, Mr. Watson,” said Merriman.

“You’re a wizard, Mr. Merriman.  I was proposing to engage Mr. Burke to accompany us on our expedition against the Pirate.  He can make himself useful when we get to Gheria.  We’ll see how James’ information tallies with his.

“You won’t object to serve his Majesty, Mr. Burke?”

“’Tis what I should like best in the world, sir.”

“Very well.  Meanwhile learn all you can; Captain King here will take charge of you, I’ve no doubt.”

“Certainly, Mr. Watson.”

“You will give Mr. Burke quarters for the present, Mr. Johnson?” said Merriman.

“To be sure.  And as ’tis late we’d better be going.

“Good night, your Excellency; good night, gentlemen.”

Early next day Admiral Watson himself rode down to the harbor to inspect the grab.  He was so much pleased with her that he offered to buy her for the service.  Before the day was out Desmond found himself in possession of seven thousand rupees.  After paying the Marathas the wages agreed upon, he proceeded to divide the balance.  He retained two shares for himself, and gave each of the men who had escaped with him an equal part.

No one was more surprised than Fuzl Khan when he received his share in full.  He had expected to get the punishment he knew he well deserved.  But Desmond, against the advice of the harbor master, determined to overlook the man’s misconduct.  He went further.  At his request Admiral Watson gave him a place on the grab.  The Gujarati seemed overwhelmed by this generosity on the part of a man he had wronged, and for the nonce breaking through his usual morose reserve, he thanked Desmond, awkwardly indeed, but with manifest sincerity.

The other men were no less delighted with their good fortune.  The sums they received made them rich men for life.  None was more elated than Surendra Nath.  It happened that Mr. Merriman came on board to see the grab at the moment when Desmond was distributing the prize money.  Desmond noticed a curious expression on the Babu’s face, and he was compelled to laugh when the man, after a moment’s hesitation, walked up to Mr. Merriman, and with a strange mixture of humility and importance said: 

“I wish you a very good morning, your Honor.”

“Good gad!—­Surendra Nath Chuckerbutti!  I’m uncommonly glad to see you.”

He shook hands warmly, a mark of condescension which made the Babu beam with gratification.