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My heart sank at this. “Will it require days, sir, for the decision to be made?” I asked.

“You must bear up, lad,” Sir Joseph replied. “I understand, God knows, how hard the waiting will be; but official wheels turn slowly.”

“And my ship, the Spitfire, sails to-morrow,” said Dr. Hamilton, ruefully. “I shall have to leave England without knowing your fate, Byam.”

“Perhaps it’s just as well, Doctor,” I replied.

Sir Joseph opened his mouth to speak, and then gazed blankly at me.

“Byam, I’m afraid I’ve made an unpardonable mistake! The realization has only this moment come to me! Good God, what have I done! You should have been told nothing of all this until the decision of the Commissioners has been given!”

“Not at all, sir,” I replied. “You shan’t be allowed to condemn yourself. You have given me reason to hope. Even though the hope prove unfounded, I shall be none the less grateful.”

“You truly mean that?”

“Yes, sir.”

He gave me a keen, scrutinizing glance. “I see that you do. I am glad I came.” He rose. “And now I must leave you again. I shall go back to London at once. I must be there to expedite matters as much as possible for you.” He shook my hand. “If it is good news, Byam, Captain Montague shall receive it for you by messenger riding the best horses that ever galloped the Portsmouth road.”