. Over there on the Ariadne are a hundred and fifty
wounded at least, and fifty have been killed. Let the living not
suffer."

"You want it all on the nail, don't you?"

"I want it at this moment when the men who have fought under me have
helped to win your battle, sir." There was something so set in Dyck's
voice that the admiral had a sudden revulsion against him, yet, after a
moment of thought, he made a sign to Captain Ivy. Then he dictated the
terms which Dyck had asked, except as to the reforms he had made, which
was not in his power to do, save for the present.

When the document had been signed by the admiral, Dyck read the contents
aloud. It embodied nearly all he had asked.

"Now I ask permission for one more thing only, sir--for the new captain
of the Ariadne to go with me to her, and there I will read this paper
to the crew. I will give a copy of it to the new captain, whoever he may
be."

The admiral stood for a moment in thought. Then he said:

"Ivy, I transfer you to the Ariadne. It's better that some one who
understands, as you do, should be in control after Calhoun has gone.
Go with him now, and have your belongings sent to you. I appoint you
temporary captain of the Ariadne, because I think no one could deal
with the situation there so wisely. Ivy, every ship in the squadron must
treat the Ariadne respectfully. Within two days, Mr. Calhoun, you shall
be landed at Jamaica, there to await the Admiralty decree. I will say
this: that as the sure victory of our fleet has come through you, you
shall not suffer in my report. Fighting is not an easy trade, and to
fight according to the rules is a very hard trade. Let me ask you to
conduct yourself as a prisoner of war on parole."

CHAPTER XVI. A LETTER

With a deep sigh, the planter raised his head from the table where he
was writing, and looked out upon the lands he had made his own. They
lay on the Thomas River, a few hours' horseback travelling from Spanish
Town, the capital, and they had the advantage of a plateau formation,
with mountains in the far distance and ravines everywhere.

It was Christmas Day, and he had done his duty to his slaves and the
folk on his plantation. He had given presents, had attended a seven
o'clock breakfast of his people, had seen festivities of his negroes,
and the feast given by his manager in Creole style to all who
came--planting attorneys, buccras, overseers, bookkeepers, the
subordinates of the local provo