d an "approved" training ship, or else one year on board a
first-class British merchant ship.

"That's put the hat on it," declared Ross.

"One minute," interposed Vernon. "Why not write to Admiral Garboard?
He's an old shipmate of my governor's, and I know he's a bit of a pot
up at Whitehall, although he's on the Retired List."

"He was with my pater in the old _Rhodaphlare_ on the China station,"
added Ross. "We'll try; the wheeze might work."

Accordingly Vernon wrote to the Admiral, who lived about twenty miles
from Killigwent Hall. Promptly came Sir Peter Garboard's reply:

"TRELANGKERRICK,"
CORNWALL.

"DEAR VERNON,

"In reply to your letter I am sorry that I cannot help you in the
matter to which you refer, unless you and your friend can produce
sufficient evidences of qualifications for the desired posts.

"On principle I object to influence in any shape or form. Entry into
any branch of the Service should, like promotion, depend solely upon
the aptitude and ability of a candidate. This has been my standpoint
throughout the whole of my career, and I see no reason why I should now
depart from it.

"If, however, you think you have strong reasons for pressing your
claims, and you care to see me, we will go more fully into the matter.

"Believe me,
"Yours faithfully,
"PETER GARBOARD."

"Not so dusty," commented Ross. "He does leave us a loophole, although
I'm afraid we'll have to blow our own trumpets. I vote we cycle over
at once. We'll catch him in just before lunch."

"Better wait until after he's had his grub," said Vernon. "That's
always the time to get a man in a good humour."

"We'll risk that," declared young Trefusis. "Come on."

It was a very hilly twenty miles run across the moors to
Trelangkerrick. Starting at ten in the morning it took the lads two
hours and a quarter, in the face of a strong south-westerly breeze, to
cover the distance.

Half-way up the drive, they saw the Admiral and a companion emerging
from a path leading from the kennels.

"Hulloa!" exclaimed Sir Peter cordially, as he recognized Vernon Haye.
"So you haven't marked time in coming to see me. This is young
Trefusis, I presume? Glad to meet you. Knew your father very well
back in the 'eighties. Hope to renew the acquaintance soon, you know.
If it hadn't been for the war----"

Admiral Garboard had taken Trelangkerrick only since the declaration of
hostilities; consequently he had had no