intellectual, perhaps, than their brothers of the land, but full
of truth and energy and heroism. In figure he was straight, tall, and
well-knit, with keen grey eyes, and the sharp prompt manner of a man who
has been accustomed both to command and to obey.

"You had my note?" he said, as he entered the room. "I have to go
again, Laura. Isn't it a bore? Old Smithers is short-handed, and wants
me back at once." He sat down by the girl, and put his brown hand
across her white one. "It won't be a very large order this time,"
he continued. "It's the flying squadron business--Madeira, Gibraltar,
Lisbon, and home. I shouldn't wonder if we were back in March."

"It seems only the other day that you landed." she answered.

"Poor little girl! But it won't be long. Mind you take good care of
her, Robert when I am gone. And when I come again, Laura, it will be
the last time mind! Hang the money! There are plenty who manage on
less. We need not have a house. Why should we? You can get very nice
rooms in Southsea at 2 pounds a week. McDougall, our paymaster, has
just married, and he only gives thirty shillings. You would not be
afraid, Laura?"

"No, indeed."

"The dear old governor is so awfully cautious. Wait, wait, wait, that's
always his cry. I tell him that he ought to have been in the Government
Heavy Ordnance Department. But I'll speak to him tonight. I'll talk
him round. See if I don't. And you must speak to your own governor.
Robert here will back you up. And here are the ports and the dates
that we are due at each. Mind that you have a letter waiting for me at