The tender from the Navy vessel approached. The Navy tars expertly tied their tender to one of the City of Quebec's ropes and tossed a line to the deck hands. A ladder was lowered and two midshipmen climbed aboard, followed by four sailors.

The midshipman saluted the upper deck, “Midshipman Canning sir, at your service, from the frigate Kingston, and right glad we are to see a British ship in these parts. We are bound for Fort Victoria and duty in the Pacific, and you?”

“James Dodds, master of the City of Quebec,” said the captain, “and by a strange coincidence we are also bound for Victoria with a cargo of steel. These are my mates, Mr. Aland and Mr. Wood, will you come to my cabin for a spell?”

“Thank you Captain Dodds, we will.”

The two navy officers ascended to the bridge while the sailors mingled with the deck hands. The sailors were eager to hear news from home, having been on an extended voyage. They’d been stationed in Bermuda for the last two years. The men of the Quebec wanted to hear about Rio, and the sailors were eager to impart their knowledge of the city's delights, the restaurantes and the girls.

Meanwhile, the midshipmen enjoyed a glass of the captain's whisky and talked business-like activities. The Navy officers knew the best ship's chandlers and offered their services to escort them around and interpret for them.

“Why, that would be most kind of you,” said Captain Dodds, “I hope that your captain can spare you for a few hours.”

“Oh, certainly,” said Midshipman Canning, “we are leaving tomorrow, and he'll be busy with his senorita this afternoon anyway.”

“My gosh, has even the Captain a senorita? How long have you been in this port, Mr. Canning?”

“We've only been here a week,” came the answer, “but we've all got a favourite senorita. It's a great town.”

“Maybe we should take advantage of Midshipman Canning's kind offer,” said Victor.

“Sure, and then we can all go to town,” said Ben, with a note of keen anticipation.