"My father," he explained, "is in haste to reach San Domingo. He
desired me to stay no longer than necessary to embrace you. If
you will give us leave, then, sir uncle."
In the circumstances "sir uncle" did not insist.
As they returned to the ship's side, Blood's eyes anxiously scanned
the line of seamen leaning over the bulwarks in idle talk with the
Spaniards in the cock-boat that waited at the ladder's foot. But
their manner showed him that there was no ground for his anxiety.
The boat's crew had been wisely reticent.
The Admiral took leave of them - of Esteban affectionately, of
Blood ceremoniously.
"I regret to lose you so soon, Don Pedro. I wish that you could
have made a longer visit to the Encarnacion."
"I am indeed unfortunate," said Captain Blood politely.
"But I hope that we may meet again."
"That is to flatter me beyond all that I deserve."
They reached the boat; and she cast off from the great ship. As
they were pulling away, the Admiral waving to them from the taffrail,
they heard the shrill whistle of the bo'sun piping the hands to
their stations, and before they had reached the Cinco Llagas, they
beheld the Encarnacion go about under sail.
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