udge to the other and raised a little red
flag from the table.

"Red wins!" he shouted.

Unconscious of the deafening applause Billy bent down and slipped an
arm under his friend's shoulders. All the savage fighting blood in him
had suddenly cooled, and there was only pity and love for Harcourt in
his heart as he helped him to his feet.

Harcourt's seconds had rushed into the ring as the gong rang, and they
now supported him to his corner. At his feeble request one unlaced the
glove from his right hand, which he extended to his late adversary with
a wan smile.

"That was a good 'un, Billy," he said faintly. "My--head's--still
singing ... like a top! And--I taught it to you! ..."

* * * *

The distribution of prizes to the winners of the different weights
followed, and then the great gathering broke up. The Admirals departed
with their staffs in their respective barges, the Captains in their
galleys, Wardroom and Gunroom officers in the picket-boats. Figures
paced up and down the quarterdeck talking together in pairs; farewells
sounded at the gangways, and the hoot of the steamboats' syrens astern
mingled with the ceaseless calling of the gulls overhead.

Harcourt and Mordaunt, descending the accommodation ladder in the rear
of the remainder of their party, were greeted by Morton, at the wheel
of the picket-boat, with a broad grin.

"Come on," he ejaculated impatiently. "Hop in! We've got to get back
and be hoisted in. Who won the Light-weights by the same token?"

"Billy did," replied Harcourt. He settled himself comfortably on top
of the cabin of the picket boat and pulled up the collar of his
greatcoat about his face.

Morton jerked the engine-room telegraph and the boat moved off.

"Why are we in such a hurry?" queried Harcourt. "Are we going out?"

The boyish figure at the helm glanced aft to see his stern was clear,
and put the wheel over, heading the boat in the direction of their ship.

"Yes," he said. "At least a signal has just come through ordering us
to raise steam for working cables at seven p.m."

Lettigne, perched beside Mordaunt on the other side of the cabin-top,
leaned across. The crowded excitements of the afternoon had lapsed
into oblivion.

"D'you mean the whole Fleet, or only just us?" he asked.

"The whole Fleet," replied Morton, staring ahead between the twin
funnels of his boat. "I suppose it's the usual weary stunt; go out and
steam about tr