"I'd like it," the lad replied, "if you think I can do it, sir."

"Of course you can do it," was Lord Hastings' prompt reply. "I haven't
sailed with you almost four years for nothing."

"You mean, sir," replied Jack with a smile, "that I haven't sailed with
you that long for nothing."

"That's more like it, Jack," put in Frank laughingly. "I've learned a few
things from Lord Hastings myself."

"It is hardly probable," continued Lord Hastings, "that your promotion has
been unearned, Jack. No, I believe you can fill the bill."

"In that case, I shall be glad to take command of the Plymouth
temporarily, sir."

"And how about me?" Frank wanted to know. "Where do I come in, sir?"

"Why," said Lord Hastings, "I have no doubt it can be arranged so you can
go along as first officer. I understand the first officer of the Plymouth
is also under the weather."

"But isn't all this a bit irregular, sir?" Jack asked.

"Very much so," was Lord Hastings' reply. "At the same time, many
precedents are being broken every day, and I can see no reason why two
British officers cannot lend their services to an ally if they are asked
to do so."