n mistake. St. John's is considerably southward of our
latitude. But they've had a cold snap there lately, and we came down
in a snowdrift and had to be dug out. We had an easy flight across the
Atlantic; the engine has behaved splendidly all through, thanks to
Roddy. But I'm glad to be home; by Jove, I am!"

This conversation passed as they walked up to the house. Mrs. Smith
had been wakened by the noise of the engine, and stood just within the
door to welcome her son. She, too, was struck by his haggard
appearance, and declared she must send for the doctor.

"Why, Mother, you're not going to coddle me at my age," he said. "You
ought to be in bed. Off you go: I shall be all right in the morning. I
shall have something to tell you then. Breakfast at eight sharp, by
the way; or I shan't get to Portsmouth in time."

"Very well, my dear. Simmons is up, keeping some food warm for you. I
will tell him. Goodnight."

"I've such loads to tell you," said Smith, when she had gone; "but I'm
afraid it must wait. By the way, Kate, I suppose nothing of importance
has come for me?"

"A few letters, mostly from the people you disappointed, I suspect.
I'll fetch them."

When she returned, Smith immediately noticed a long official envelope
in the bundle. He tore it open.

"Great Scott!" he cried. "An order to rejoin on Wednesday without
fail. That's a nasty whack."

"Any explanation?" asked Barracombe.

"Not a word. Some sudden whimsy of the admiral's, I suppose. Have you
got yesterday's paper, Kate?"

"I remember now," cried Kate. "How silly of me to forget it! The
_Implacable_ broke down, and your ship was ordered to replace her."

"Just my luck!" exclaimed Smith gloomily. "Last time I was late the
ship was going shooting. Now I shall miss her altogether when she's at
manoeuvres. Captain Bolitho will put me down as a hopeless rotter."

"What nonsense, Charley! You had seven days left, and you're not bound
to be within call at a moment's notice. I'm very glad the ship has
left Portsmouth, for now you can't rejoin, and you'll have time to
rest."

"I'm not so sure, Kate," he cried, suddenly sitting up, and scanning
the paper she had brought. "Where's the fleet? Ah! Irish coast. I'll
rejoin, as sure as I'm alive. You see, I'm due at nine. I'm not
physically incapable, and in the aeroplane I can easily do it if I can
find the squadron. The _Implacable_ was with the Blue fleet, operating
from Bear Haven, I see. It's worth tr