Читать книгу Mr. Midshipman Hornblower онлайн

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That should have been the end of the incident. The excited talk which had gone round the anchored squadron about the unusual duel died away in time, although everyone knew Hornblower's name now, and not as the midshipman who was seasick in Spithead but as the man who was willing to take an even chance in cold blood. But in the Justinian herself there was other talk; whispers which were circulated forward and aft.

"Mr. Hornblower has requested permission to speak to you, sir" said Mr. Clay, the first lieutenant, one morning while making his report to the captain.

"Oh, send him in when you go out" said Keene, and sighed.

Ten minutes later a knock on his cabin door ushered in a very angry young man.

"Sir!" began Hornblower.

"I can guess what you're going to say" said Keene.

"Those pistols in the duel I fought with Simpson were not loaded!"

"Hepplewhite blabbed, I suppose" said Keene.

"And it was by your orders, I understand, sir."

"You are quite correct. I gave those orders to Mr. Masters."