At this Tony saw Count Rialto step forward, looking very small and explanatory, and uncovering obsequiously to the captain.

“I can assure you, sir,” said the Count in his best English, “that this incident is the result of an unfortunate misunderstanding, and if you will oblige us by dismissing these myrmidons, any of my friends here will be happy to offer satisfaction to Mr. Bracknell and his companions.”

Mr. Mounce shrank visibly at this, and the captain burst into a loud guffaw.

“Satisfaction?” says he.  “Why, my cock, that’s very handsome of you, considering the rope’s at your throats.  But we’ll not take advantage of your generosity, for I fear Mr. Bracknell has already trespassed on it too long.  You pack of galley-slaves, you!” he spluttered suddenly, “decoying young innocents with that devil’s bait of yours—­” His eye fell on Polixena, and his voice softened unaccountably.  “Ah, well, we must all see the Carnival once, I suppose,” he said.  “All’s well that ends well, as the fellow says in the play; and now, if you please, Mr. Bracknell, if you’ll take the reverend gentleman’s arm there, we’ll bid adieu to our hospitable entertainers, and right about face for the Hepzibah.”