ffair that bothers me."

"And me," Hamel admitted, watching the car until it became a speck in
the distance.

"He was fairly well cornered," Gerald concluded, as they made their way
back to the dining-room, "but it isn't like him to let go of anything so
easily."

"So you've seen the last of our guest," Mr. Fentolin remarked, as Hamel
and Gerald re-entered the dining-room. "A queer fellow--almost a new
type to me. Dogged and industrious, I should think. He hadn't the least
right to travel, you know, and I think so long as we had taken the
trouble to telephone to Norwich, he might have waited to see the
physician. Sarson was very angry about it, but what can you do with
these fellows who are never ill? They scarcely know what physical
disability means. Well, Mr. Hamel, and how are you going to amuse
yourself to-day?"

"I had thought of commencing some reading I brought with me," Hamel
replied, "but Miss Esther has challenged me to another game of golf."

"Excellent!" Mr. Fentolin declared. "It is very kind of you indeed,
Mr. Hamel. It is always a matter of regret for me that society in these
parts is so restricted. My nephew and niece have little opportunity for
enjoying themselves. Play golf with Mr. Hamel, by all means, my dear
child," he continued, turning to his niece. "Make the most of this
glorious spring weather. And what about you, Gerald? What are you doing
to-day?"

"I haven't made up my mind yet, sir," the boy replied.

Mr. Fentolin sighed.

"Always that lack of initiative," he remarked. "A lack of initiative is
one of your worst faults, I am afraid, dear Gerald."

The boy looked up quickly. For a moment it seemed as though he were
about to make a fierce reply. He met Mr. Fentolin's steady gaze,
however, and the words died away upon his lips.

"I rather thought," he said, "of going into Norwich, if you could spare
me. Captain Holt has asked me to lunch at the Barracks."

Mr. Fentolin shook his head gently.

"It is most unfortunate," he declared. "I have a commission for you
later in the day."

Gerald continued his breakfast in silence. He bent over his plate so
that his face was almost invisible. Mr. Fentolin was peeling a peach. A
servant entered the room.

"Lieutenant Godfrey, sir," he announced.

They all looked up. A trim, clean-shaven, hard-featured young man in
naval uniform was standing upon the threshold. He bowed to Esther.

"Very sorry to intrude, sir, at this hour of the morning