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Rh said to the Captain: "Could you just oblige me with a few toots on the whistle? I wish to attract the attention of an old friend of mine on shore."

The whistle roared forth its salute, and Stranleigh, leaning over the bulwarks, waved aloft his yachting cap. They were passing a comfortable cottage, standing in grounds of its own, and on the verandah sat an old man with a long telescope across his knees, as if he were officially on guard. A tall white flag-pole at the end of the cottage, rigged up something like the mast of a ship, flew the ensign of the British Marines. The old man raised his telescope to his eye and directed it towards the yacht and the man raising his cap. An instant later he undoubtedly recognised the cause of the whistling, for he rose actively, tucked the telescope under his arm, waved his own cap, then hurried to the tall white pole and dipped the flag, which courtesy the yacht answered in kind. Seeing the interest in Marlow's face, Stranleigh said:

"That's an old friend of mine. He once commanded a pirate ship for me, and has retired there on his share of the swag. Oh, I'm not joking, Professor. You little knew what company you were to keep when you sought my society. I captured that old chap on the high seas, contrary to all laws, marine, national, or international. Had a great time with the captain, who threatened to put me in irons, but we are now the best of friends.