deserter," said Francis.

"Don't let's do it," said the captain.

"We have to say something, sir," returned the first lieutenant
helplessly.

"One can always lie, I suppose," said Hadow.

"There's nothing I wouldn't do myself for Jack Garrard," volunteered Mr.
Francis.

"Why not say he was kidnapped here by the hill tribes?" said Hadow. "We
aren't certain sure he wasn't, and no one can deny but what he might
have been."

"But the admiral would be bound to inquire into it," said Mr. Francis.
"Sooner or later he'd send a ship."

"Trust Jack to do his own lying when she gets here," said Hadow.
"Besides, he'll be sick of the whole thing by that time and only too
glad to step aboard."

"But won't we be asked why _we_ didn't rescue him?" asked Francis.

"No, no--I have it!" cried the captain.

"It's certainly a case for stretching a point, sir," said Mr. Francis.

"Enter in the log," said the captain, speaking slowly and thoughtfully,
"that Passed Midshipman John de Vigne Garrard, failing to report himself
at the expiration of his leave, was afterwards discovered to have been
kidnapped by the hill tribes of Borabora Island. On my threatening to
land a party to recover him, I was dissuaded by King George, who cleared
himself of any personal responsibility in the matter, and who promised,
if only I would give him time, to recover the man without bloodshed or
any cost to her Majesty's Government. The king urged that the use of
force would imperil the officer's life, which otherwise he had every
confidence would be spared."

"Very good, sir," said Mr. Francis.

"You'll give old George a flaming character," added Hadow.

"Very good, sir," said Mr. Francis.

"Pile it on about his reverence for the Queen, and the way he gave beef
to the ship," said Hadow.

"And what then, sir?" inquired Mr. Francis.

"Well, you know," went on Hadow, "my orders down here leave me a pretty
wide latitude. You can't tie down a surveying ship in wild waters the
way you can a simple patrol. By God, sir, I'll put the ship back here in
nine months and retake Master Johnny Garrard."

"If he has any realization of his position he will then go down on his
knees and thank you, sir," said Mr. Francis.

"He's more likely to come aboard whistling!" exclaimed the captain.

"Of course, it will involve a little--insincerity," said Mr. Francis.

"You mean we'll have to lie like hell!" said the captain.

"Well, yes," observed Mr. Francis.