That's calkilated to make a man _think_.' . . . But I must say," said
Lippity-Libby, eyeing the sky aloft, "the glass is goin' up stiddy,
an' _that's_ always a comfort."

As the old man took his departure, Nicky-Nan broke the seal of his
letter, opened it, and read--

To Nicholas Nanjivell,
R.N.R., Polpier.

Troy, August 3rd, 1914.

I am advised that you have failed to join the Royal Naval Reserve
Force called into Active Service under the Act 22 and 23 Vict. c. 40;
nor have you reported yourself at the Custom-House, St Martin's,
Cornwall, as required on the Active Service Paper, R.V. 53, duly
delivered to you.

Before filling up your description on Form R.V. 26a (R.N.R.
Absentees and Deserters) I desire that you will let me know the cause
of your non-compliance with H.M. summons; and, if the cause be
sickness or other disablement, that you will forward a medical
certificate _immediately_, as evidence of same, to

Joshua Johns,
Registrar, Royal Naval Reserve.



CHAPTER VIII.