more, it saved the whole yacht's company! Hasn't he ever told you
about it?"

"Not a word. I think," said Mr. Harris, "our friend Link chooses to
keep his past in watertight compartments. Sit down and tell me about
it."


VII.

This was the Schoolmaster's story:

"It happened on that very cruise, sir. The _Swallow_ had been
knocking around at various West Country regattas--Weymouth, Torquay,
Dartmouth, finishing up with Plymouth. From Plymouth we were to sail
for home.

"We had dropped hook in the Merchant Shipping Anchorage, as they
call it; which is the eastern side of the Sound, by Jennycliff Bay.
That last day of the regattas--a Saturday--the wind had been almost
true north, and freshish, but nothing to mention: beautiful sailing
weather for the small boats. The big cracks had finished their
engagements and were making back for Southampton.

"Well, as I say, this north wind was a treat; especially coming, as
it did, after a week of light airs and calms that had spoilt most of
the yacht-racing. Some time in the afternoon I heard talk that our
skipper--well, I won't mention names--and, as it turned out in the
end, everyone was implicated. Anyhow, at six o'clock or thereabouts
the gig was ordered out, and every blessed officer on board went