sir."

"I was," replied Lord Hastings.

"You were, sir?"

"Yes."

"But we didn't see you, sir," said Jack.

"I know you didn't. But I saw you. And I saw Frank when he inspected the
submarines on the first day of the surrender."

"Where were you, sir?" demanded Frank.

"Aboard the Queen Elizabeth. I viewed the surrender as the guest of
Admiral Beatty, and their majesties."

For some time the conversation dealt only with the surrender of the fleet.
Then Lord Hastings said:

"Well, boys, the war is over. What do you intend to do now?"

"I know what I shall do, sir," said Frank.

"Well, let's hear it."

"I shall return to America as soon as I am able to procure my discharge."

"As I thought," said Lord Hastings. "And you, Jack?"

"I hardly know, sir. I have no relatives, few friends. There is no one
dependent on me, and I am dependent on no one. It strikes me, sir, that
the navy might be a good place to stick."

"And I had expected that, too," said Lord Hastings quietly. "But I don't
agree with you, Jack."

"Why not, sir?" asked Jack, in some surprise.

"In the first place," said Lord Hastings, "the life would begin to pall on
you when it settled down to dull routine. Now in active service, of
course, it's different. I know, because I've tried both. No, my advice to
you Jack, is to get out of the navy."

"But what shall I do, sir?"

"There are many things," said Lord Hastings quietly. "There is the
consular service, the diplomatic service. Who knows how far you may rise?
Already you have made a name for yourself and have won distinction. You
may go far, if you apply yourself."

"That's true, too, sir," said Jack. "I have thought of that, at odd
moments. But I guess you are right about the navy, sir."

"I know I am. And the sooner you get out of it the better."

"Then I'll take your advice, sir. But I'm afraid it won't be possible to
get a discharge for some time yet."

"It will be much simpler that you think, for both of you," said Lord
Hastings with a smile. "I still have some influence, you know, and I shall
see you receive your discharges within a fortnight, if you wish."

"Hurray!" shouted Frank. "That suits me. There is no use sticking in the
navy now. There is nothing to do."

"And," continued Lord Hastings to Jack. "In the meantime I'll look around
and see what I can turn up for you, Jack."

"Thank you, sir," said Jack.

"And in the meantime, Jack," added Frank, "you are going home