The Baron, when he heard what
had taken place, was most emphatic in vetoing the suggestion that the
_Aphrodite_ should return to Marseilles, and Stamp was equally
determined hot to sail through, the Straits of Bonifacio in half a gale
of wind. As a compromise, a course was shaped for Toulon, and that port
was made during the afternoon. It was the wisest thing to do, under the
circumstances. Toulon is the French naval base for the Mediterranean,
and her marine _chantiers_ not only repaired the engines in a few
hours, but supplied a set of spare parts, a wise precaution in view of
the yacht's probable sojourn in a locality where castings would be
unattainable.
Thenceforth the voyage proceeded smoothly. Royson took the first
opportunity of explaining to von Kerber how and why the mistake as to
his name had arisen, and the Baron only smiled, in his superior way,
having recovered his somewhat domineering manner from the hour that the
French coast-line sank beneath the horizon.
Stump soon ascertained that the _Aphrodite_ made better weather and
faster running as a schooner than as a steamship when the wind suited,
and Royson's position on board was rendered all the more secure
thereby.
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