csf.mrmidshipmanhornblower-第43章
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unna Bay towards Ferrol he quite forgot the incident。
It was almost spring when a Spanish militia officer came into the barracks which served as a prison for officers in Ferrol。
'Se?or Hornblower?' he asked…at least Hornblower; in the corner; knew that was what he was trying to say。 He was used to the way Spaniards mutilated his name。
'Yes?' he said; rising。
'Would you please e with me? The mandant has sent me for you; sir。'
The mandant was all smiles。 He held a despatch in his hands。
'This; sir;' he said; waving it at Hornblower; 'is a personal order。 It is countersigned by the Duke of Fuentesauco; Minister of Marine; but it is signed by the First Minister; Prince of the Peace and Duke of Alcudia。'
'Yes; sir;' said Hornblower。
He should have begun to hope at that moment; but there es a time in a prisoner's life when he ceases to hope。 He was more interested; even; in that strange title of Prince of the Peace which was now beginning to be heard in Spain。
'It says: 〃We; Carlos Leonardo Luis Manuel de Godoy y Boegas; First Minister of His Most Catholic Majesty; Prince of the Peace; Duke of Alcudia and Grandee of the First Class; Count of Alcudia; Knight of the Most Sacred Order of the Golden Fleece; Knight of the Holy Order of Santiago; Knight of the Most Distinguished Order of Calatrava; Captain General of His Most Catholic Majesty's forces by Land and Sea; Colonel General of the Guardia de Corps; Admiral of the Two Oceans; General of the cavalry; of the infantry; and of the artillery〃…in any event; sir; it is an order to me to take immediate steps to set you at liberty。 I am to restore you under flag of truce to your fellow countrymen; in recognition of 〃your courage and self…sacrifice in saving life at the peril of your own〃。'
'Thank you; sir;' said Hornblower。
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