he outside of the door of Room
445, the Admiral abruptly took his departure.

In reply to a knock the door was opened by a very tired-looking clerk,
who was bravely bearing up under the strain of having to work ninety
hours a week, including Sundays. Having explained his business, Mr.
Hyde was shown into the presence of an official whose talent was little
short of miraculous.

A dozen precise and pointed questions put him in full possession of all
the facts bearing upon the document that he required. He touched an
electric bell. An assistant hurried to his desk.

"Bring me the papers on the von Ruhle case," he ordered in an undertone.

In less than half an hour the transcription was completed, although the
_Capella's_ officer of the watch had not taken down the actual
commencement of the smoke-signal. Then, having "pressed" the paper in
order to obtain a duplicate copy, the official placed it in an
envelope, which he secured with an imposing wax seal.

"No mistake about it, the war has bucked the civilian staff at the
Admiralty," observed Mr. Hyde to Ross as they gained the street. "I
can remember a time when all you had to do was to mention someone's
name, and you had practically a free entry. Your particular pal could
always contrive to have an hour's yarn with you, and perhaps an
interval for refreshment. They know what working at high pressure
means now."

Hyde was more cautious on the return journey. He was well within the
limit that he had set himself. An hour and forty minutes later, the
car drew up outside the coast-guard station.

"Captain Syllenger presents his compliments, Mr. Hyde, and requests
your company on board," said Sub-lieutenant Barry when the _Capella's_
boat arrived to take off the midshipman. "Ton my word, you haven't
been long. We didn't expect you back before six o'clock."

Having received his guest, Captain Syllenger led the way to his cabin,
Barry and Ross being included in the party. The skipper's face glowed
with satisfaction when he had opened the envelope, for the signal as
decoded was as follows:

"(words missing) closely patrolled. Unable to provide stores here.
Will attempt removal of (word missing) from Station 123 on Friday
night. Will signal from Station 125 at 1 a.m. on Saturday if possible.
Transports leaving by Needles Channel at daybreak."

Following this was an explanatory note.

"Station 123 is stated to be in Keyhaven Marshes. Station 125 one mile