The din and clamor of a mighty city mingled with the far-off sounds of military music; and in the vistas of the opening street, masses of troops might be seen in marching order; and all betokened the near approach of war.
Our anchor had scarcely been dropped, when an eight-oar gig, with a midshipman steering, came alongside.
"Ship ahoy, there! You've troops on board?"
Before the answer could be spoken, he was on the deck.
"May I ask," said he, touching his cap slightly, "who is the officer in command of the detachment?"
"Captain Power; very much at your service," said Fred, returning the salute.
"Rear-Admiral Sir Edward Douglas requests that you will do him the favor to come on board immediately, and bring your despatches with you."
"I'm quite ready," said Power, as he placed his papers in his sabretasche; "but first tell us what's doing here. Anything new lately?"
"I have heard nothing, except of some affair with the Portuguese,--they've been drubbed again; but our people have not been engaged. I say, we had better get under way; there's our first lieutenant with his telescope up; he's looking straight at us. So, come along. Good-evening, gentlemen." And in another moment the sharp craft was cutting the clear water, while Power gayly waved us a good-by.
"Who's for shore?" said the skipper, as half-a-dozen boats swarmed around the side, or held on by their boat-hooks to the rigging.
"Who is not?" said Monsoon, who now appeared in his old blue frock covered with tarnished braiding, and a cocked hat that might have roofed a pagoda. "Who is not, my old boy? Is not every man among us delighted with the prospect of fresh prog, cool wine, and a bed somewhat longer than four feet six? I say, O'Malley! Sparks! Where's the adjutant? Ah, there he is! We'll not mind the doctor,--he's a very jovial little fellow, but a damned bore, _entre nous_; and we'll have a cosy little supper at the Rue di Toledo. I know the place well. Whew, now! Get away, boy. Sit steady, Sparks; she's only a cockleshell. There; that's the Plaza de la Regna,--there, to the left. There's the great cathedral,--you can't see it now. Another seventy-four! Why there's a whole fleet here! I wish old Power joy of his afternoon with old Douglas."