leave it," declared von Ruhle. "Someone might
take a fancy to it, and then the secret would be out. But tell me:
have you succeeded in getting that commission you spoke of?"

"I am still living in hopes," replied Ramblethorne. "Of course I could
have obtained a post of temporary surgeon in the British Navy, but it
wasn't good enough. It's no fun running the risk of being torpedoed by
our own Submarines. The English Army offers a wider scope. Believe
me, I am worth more than a division to the Emperor. I'll get a
commission, never you fear, for I have heaps of influence. Then, of
course, I will do my utmost to fight against a terrible epidemic that
will mysteriously break out amongst the troops."

Ramblethorne, otherwise von Hauptwald, threw back his shoulders and
laughed uproariously.

"Careful!" hissed his companion. "You will be heard over the whole
island."

"What matters? There is not another soul in sight besides ourselves.
How much petrol have you?"

"Fifty two-gallon tins. I expect some more by boat to-morrow. It's
safely stored in a cave on the side of the creek. It is a nuisance it
is raining. I do not fancy a night's work in weather like this.
Himmel, what's that?"

Accidentally Vernon's foot had dislodged a small piece of stone.

"Nerves, my dear von Ruhle," said Ramblethorne, with his usual
good-natured smile. "A bit of masonry has fallen from the tower. See,
the floor is covered with similar pieces."

"If anyone should be up there----" suggested von Ruhle, pointing to the
top of the tower.

The lads could feel their hearts thumping against their ribs. Through
a small crack in the planking they could see the eyes of the two
Germans directed upwards.

"Impossible; there are no steps," declared Ramblethorne. "Besides,
what object would anyone have in ascending a tower on a day like this?
I fully appreciate the danger of being overheard, of course. We've
said enough to find ourselves faced by a firing-party in the Tower of
London, my friend."

"Don't!" expostulated von Ruhle, closing his eyes as if to shut out the
unpleasant mental vision. Then: "You have the signalling apparatus, I
hope?"

"Trust me for that, von Ruhle," replied his companion, tapping his
breast-pocket. "All we have to do is to wait until yonder lighthouse
exposes its light. Really the ways of these English pass
understanding. They rigorously forbid the showing of lights in private
houses on shore, imagi