de Rivarol,
still in bedgown and nightcap.
"I have to report, M. le Baron, that we are in possession of the
fort on Boca Chica. The standard of France is flying from what
remains of its tower, and the way into the outer harbour is open
to your fleet."
M. de Rivarol was compelled to swallow his fury, though it choked
him. The jubilation among his officers had been such that he could
not continue as he had begun. Yet his eyes were malevolent, his
face pale with anger.
"You are fortunate, M. Blood, that you succeeded," he said. "It
would have gone very ill with you had you failed. Another time be
so good as to await my orders, lest you should afterwards lack the
justification which your good fortune has procured you this morning."
Blood smiled with a flash of white teeth, and bowed. "I shall be
glad of your orders now, General, for pursuing our advantage. You
realize that speed in striking is the first essential."
Rivarol was left gaping a moment. Absorbed in his ridiculous anger,
he had considered nothing.
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