And subsequent facts, to some extent, confirmed this
interpretation.
The old house looked gloomy and dull of brow, with only three windows
showing light, as stout Captain Stubbard, with his short sword swinging
from the bulky position where his waist had been, strode along the
winding of the hill towards the door. At a sharp corner, under some
trees, he came almost shoulder to shoulder with a tall man striking into
the road from a foot-path. The Captain drew his sword, for his nerves
had been flurried ever since the great explosion, which laid him on his
back among his own cannon.
"A friend," cried the other, "and a great admirer of your valour,
Captain, but not a worthy object for its display."
"My dear friend Shargeloes!" replied the Captain, a little ashamed of
his own vigilance. "How are you, my dear sir? and how is the system?"
"The system will never recover from the tricks that infernal Carne has
played with it. But never mind that, if the intellect survives; we all
owe a debt to our country. I have met you in the very nick of time.
Yesterday was Guy Fawkes' Day, and I wanted to be married then; but
the people were not ready. I intend to have it now on New-Year's Day,
because then I shall always remember the date. I am going up here to
make a strange request, and I want you to say that it is right and
proper. An opinion from a distinguished sailor will go a long way
with the daughters of an Admiral.
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