d air of a man who
has done his duty. He knew the contents of the letter, and recognised
through its envelope the hard cardboard of the photograph of George
Barcom enclosed therein. There was also a smaller note, addressed to
Commander Arness by name, and marked, "Private letter."

Five minutes later the _Hannibal_ steamed through the passage, and
shaped a course for Sydney.

*****

The _Spitfire_ was steaming full speed E.S.E. from Levuka. On the bridge
was Commander Arness talking to the navigating lieutenant, a young and
almost effeminate-looking officer.

The land had just been sighted, and lay right ahead.

"Will there be daylight enough left for us to get there and have this
wretched thing over, Carteret?" asked Commander Arness.

"Plenty, sir, if this weather keeps up and you don't want to stay there
more than a couple of hours."

"No. Two hours should be ample time. This letter from Hayling explains
the whole business," and he handed, the lieutenant the despatch from
the Admiral's secretary, which duly set forth that the _Spitfire_ was to
take on board a certain white trader living on Anuda--otherwise, Cherry
Island--and bring him prisoner to Sydney. His wife was to be returned
to her father at Niuafou. The last paragraph in the letter was to this
effect--

"Be careful to identify beyond doubt this alleged deserter. The
Rear-Admiral has received this information at the instant of sailing,
and he is by no means certain that the statements of his informant
can be depended upon. A photograph of the reputed deserter is enclosed
herewith. The Admiral thinks that Mr. Carteret may know the man, as he
was serving in the _Flycatcher_ five years ago."

"This rascal Howlman has informed upon the poor devil for spite," said
the Commander; "here's a private note from Hayling to myself about the
fellow."

The lieutenant took the note and read--

"My dear Arness,--Just a line on my own account. Be careful
what you are doing in this business. The fellow who informed
is a sort of hanger-on to the missionaries here. They don't
think much of him, but seem to put up with the swab as a
necessary evil. He confessed that jealousy had something to
do with the matter, and I could see the Admiral wanted to
kick him out of the cabin. Make sure that this man Barcom
_is_ a deserter, or there will be the devil to pay if he
should prove to be an American citizen, or anything of that