aft, he made them both a profound bow, and introduced Higson.
The Dons instinctively took off their hats, unable to withstand the
influence of the young midshipman's politeness. Higson handed his
despatches to the commodore who opened the envelope, but, unable to read
English, he turned to his first lieutenant, and asked him the meaning of
the paper. The latter confessed his inability to make it out; for
though he spoke a little English he was unable to read it, as was
possibly the case with regard to his own language. Higson therefore
explained that the despatches came from the commander of the man-of-war
outside the harbour, who requested that the British subjects now held in
captivity by the Carthagenans might at once be delivered up to him. The
commodore, to whom the lieutenant interpreted what Higson said, replied
that he could not give an immediate reply; that the despatch being
written in English he could not comprehend it; and as to delivering up
the prisoners, that was a matter on which his Government must decide.--
He had therefore no reply to make to the English officer, who must take
the consequences should he venture into the harbour. This was the sum
total of the answer given by the commodore, through his first
lieutenant, though it took a considerable time to deliver.

"Tell the commodore, then," said Higson, "that as this is a friendly
port my commander will certainly come into it as he wishes to
communicate with our consul, to whom he intends rendering assistance in
obtaining the liberation of the prisoners."

"What does he mean by that?" exclaimed the commodore, when the answer
was interpreted to him. "If he attempts to use force, he will find that
the honour of those in whose veins flows the pure blood of Castille is
not to be trifled with;" and the Don stamped, and fumed, and strutted
about the deck, drawing his sword and flourishing it over his head as if
his ship was about that moment to be boarded by the English.

Desmond, reckless of the consequences which might have ensued, burst
into a fit of laughter.

"What does the boy mean?" exclaimed the commodore, advancing with
threatening gestures towards him.

"Just tell your captain that my companion is an Irish midshipman. It's
a curious habit he's got of laughing at anything which tickles his
fancy, and he cannot mean to be disrespectful to so great a hero."

The first lieutenant explained what Higson had said, and possibly saved
the m