off my music;" and
with that he seated himself.

Sir Bridgman exchanged an amused glance with Admiral Heyworth, as they
too found chairs.

In a few words Sir Lyster explained the reason of John Dene's visit.
Sir Bridgman listened with the keen interest of one to whom his
profession is everything.

"Now, Mr. Dene," said Sir Lyster when he had finished, "perhaps you
will continue."

In short, jerky sentences John Dene outlined his scheme of operations,
the others listening intently. From time to time Sir Bridgman or
Admiral Heyworth would interpolate a question upon some technical
point, which was promptly and satisfactorily answered. John Dene
seemed to have forgotten nothing.

For two hours the four sat discussing plans for a campaign that was
once and for all to put an end to Germany's submarine hopes.

During those two hours the three Englishmen learned something of the
man with whom they had to deal. Sir Bridgman's tact, cheery
personality and understanding of how to handle men did much to improve
the atmosphere, and gradually John Dene's irritation disappeared.

It was nearly three o'clock before all the arrangements were completed.
John Dene was to receive a temporary commission as commander as soon as
the King's signature could be obtained. The _Destroyer_ was entered on
the Navy List as H4, thus taking the place of a submarine that was
"missing." John Dene had stipulated that she should be rated in some
existing class, so that the secret of her existence might be preserved.
In short, sharp sentences he had presented his demands, they were
nothing less, and the others had acquiesced. By now they were all
convinced that he was right, and that the greatest chance of success
lay in "giving him his head," as Sir Bridgman North expressed it in a
whisper to Sir Lyster.

A base was to be selected on some island in the North of Scotland, and
fitted with wireless with aerials a hundred and fifty feet high, "to
pick up all that's going," explained John Dene, conscious of the
surprise of his hearers at a request for such a long-range plant. Here
the _Destroyer_ was to be based, and stores and fuel sufficient for six
months accumulated. This was to be proceeded with at once.

"I shall want charts of the minefields," he said, "and full particulars
as to patrol flotillas and the like."

Admiral Heyworth nodded comprehendingly.

"By the way," he said, "there's one thing I do not quite understand."

"Put