torching when under high speed, but that they were at the point
where advice was needed.

Armitage arose, put on a suit of greasy overalls, and went into the
grimy vitals of the destroyer, a wrench in one hand, a chisel in the
other. In about ten minutes he had solved the problem, explained it to
the mechanics gathered about him, and then demonstrated just how simple
the remedial measures were. All torpedo boat officers do this more
often than not. It explains the blind fidelity with which the crews of
craft of this sort accompany their officers without a murmur under the
bows of swiftly moving battleships or through crowded ocean lanes at
night without lights, with life boats aboard having aggregate capacity
for about half the crew.

Armitage was alone at supper, his junior taking tea aboard a German
cruiser in the harbor. With the coffee he lighted a cigar and half
closed his eyes. He marvelled at the strange thrill which had
possessed him since Thornton had gone. The loss of that control was
something which justified the gravest fears and deepest gloom. And
yet--and yet--whenever he thought about it he saw, not Yeasky, nor
Koltsoff, nor the torpedo--just a tall, flexible girl, with wonderful
hair and eyes and lips. He puffed impatiently at his cigar. Hang it
all, he had gone to church that morning because he felt he had to see
her, and the morrow had been a blank because he knew he should not be
able to see her again. But now, well, it looked as though he should
see her; swift blood tingled in his cheeks.

Precisely at eleven Thornton looked in. Armitage gave him the
combination of the safe, told him about the letter, and explained how
he expected to obtain employment. They parted at midnight.

"Good-night, Jack," said Thornton, placing his hand affectionately on
his brother officer's shoulder. "Now don't forget to dodge the
interference and tackle low. And if you want me, 'phone. Consider me
a minute man until you return."

"Thanks," replied Armitage. "Oh, Joe, will you mail this letter to the
Department?" His voice lowered as he added half humorously, "It seems
almost a shame to set the dogs on a man who may prove to be a
benefactor."

"What?" asked Thornton.

"Nothing; good-night, Joe."

CHAPTER X

JACK MCCALL, AT YOUR SERVICE

Armitage landed in Newport by the eight o'clock boat and calling a hack
drove out to the house of the chief of police. The chief was at
breakfast and