Vickers the Coast-guard brought it in, from an officer whose horse was blown, who had orders to get somehow to Stonnington." "Is Vickers a knave, or a fool who is likely to be made the victim of a very low joke?
There are hundreds of jealous scoundrels eager to spoil every patriotic gathering.

Ah, this looks rather serious, though, if you can vouch for the paper." "I can vouch for the paper, my lord, and for Vickers; but not for Dudgeon's signature.

Of that I have no knowledge--though it looks right enough, so far as I know.

Shall I read it aloud, and let officers who are not under my command judge for themselves, as I shall judge for those I have the honour to command ?" The Lord-Lieutenant, with his cork just squeaking in the neck of the bottle, nodded; and the Admiral, with officers crowding round, read aloud as follows, part being in type, and part in manuscript: "Commander of Coast-defence at Hythe, to Vice-Admiral Darling, Springhaven.
"French fleet standing in, must have slipped Cornwallis.

Do all you can.
Not a moment to lose.
(Signed) "BELLAMY DUDGEON." "Well, it may be true, or it may be a lie," said the Marquis, pouring carefully; "my opinion is the latter; but I have nothing to do with it officially, according to the new arrangements.