Speeches were made, as if to welcome an admiral, speeches in which were passed in review all his noble qualities and the great services rendered by him to the marine interest.

To these Dampier replied with simplicity and conciseness, saying to the orators: 'Gentlemen and dear comrades, you must be hoarse, let us drink!' This first trait of eccentricity could not fail to enlist universal applause.
Commissioned by him to lead the column, Stradling could not do otherwise than to take the road to the Royal Salmon.

It was on this occasion that he appeared there before the expiration of the three days: but he had not addressed a word to Catherine, scarcely turned his eyes towards her.

Nevertheless the circumstances were favorable to his suit.
Then a millionaire, William Dampier had immediately declared his intentions to treat at his own expense the whole company and even the whole town, if the town would do him the honor to drink with him.
Catherine at once took him into favor.

When she heard him praise his friend and companion, the brave Captain Stradling, she felt for the latter, not an emotion of tenderness, but a sentiment of respect and even of good-will.