It was even as I had anticipated; Parkinson was the bearer of a message summoning me to the skipper's cabin, where my written instructions, having first been read over to me, in order that I might be afforded an opportunity to seek explanation of any doubtful points, were placed in my hands, and I was dismissed; the skipper's final order to me being to carry on and, if possible, overtake the _Virginia_, thereafter keeping her in sight at all costs until the remainder of my instructions had been carried out.  Ten minutes later I was once more on the deck of the _Dolphin_, and giving orders to make sail, the signal to part company having been hoisted aboard the _Eros_ the moment that my boat left her side.