"Did I frighten you, Mr. Fitzgerald?"

"Not exactly."

"Well, every secretary I've had has expected to see a red-nosed,
swearing, peg-legged sailor; so I thought I'd soften the blow for you.
Don't worry. Sailor?"

"Not in the technical sense," answered Fitzgerald, warming. "I know a
stanchion from an anchor and a rope from a smoke-stack. But as for
travel, I believe that I have crossed all the high and middle seas."

"Sounds good. Australia, East Indies, China, the Antilles, Gulf, and
the South Atlantic?"

"Yes; round the Horn, too, and East Africa." Fitzgerald remembered his
instructions and spoke clearly.

"Well, well; you are a find. In what capacity have you taken these
voyages?"

Here was the young man's opportunity. This was a likeable old sea-dog,
and he determined not to impose upon him another moment. Some men, for
the sake of the adventure, would have left the truth to be found out
later, to the disillusion of all concerned. The abrupt manner in which
Miss Killigrew had abandoned him merited some revenge.

"Admiral, I'm afraid there has been a mistake, and before we go any
further I'll be glad to explain. I'm not a private secretary and never