was
the response; "and now," he added shrewdly, "you'd better get the
cables to work and find out something about me."

"Something about you!" queried Sir Lyster.

"You're not going to trust a man because he talks big, I'll gamble on
that. Well, you'll learn a deal about John Dene, and now it's time you
got a rustle on."

"In all probability our Intelligence Department knows all about you by
now, Mr. Dene," said Sir Bridgman with a laugh. "It's supposed to be
fairly up to date in most things."

"Well," said John Dene, as he leaned back in his chair, puffing
vigorously at his cigar, "you've treated me better'n I expected, and
you won't regret it. Remembering's my long suit. I don't want any
honour or glory out of this stunt, I just want to get the job done. If
there are any garters, or collars going around, you may have 'em,
personally I don't wear 'em,--garters, I mean. A couple of
rubber-bands are good enough for me."

Sir Bridgman laughed, Sir Lyster smiled indulgently, and Admiral
Heyworth rose to go.

"There's only one thing more; I want a room here and someone to take
down letters."

"I will tell my secretary to arrange everything," said Sir Lyster.
"You have only to ask for what you require, Mr. Dene."

"Well, that's settled," said John Dene, rising. "Now it's up to me,
and if the _Destroyer_ doesn't give those Huns merry hell, then I'm
green goods;" and with this enigmatical utterance he abruptly left the
room, with a nod, and a "See you all in the morning."

As the door closed, the three men gazed at each other for a few seconds.

"An original character," said Sir Lyster indulgently. "Going,
Heyworth?" he enquired, as Admiral Heyworth moved towards the door.

"Yes, I've hardly touched the day's work yet," was the reply.

"Never mind," said Sir Bridgman, "you've done the best day's work
you're likely to do during this war."

"I think I agree with you," said Admiral Heyworth as he left the room.

"Well, Grayne, what do you think of our friend, John Dene?" inquired
Sir Bridgman as he lighted a cigarette.

"He's rather abrupt," said Sir Lyster hesitatingly, "but I think he's a
sterling character."

"You're right," said Sir Bridgman heartily. "I wish we had a dozen
John Denes in the Service. When the colonies do produce a man they do
the thing in style, and Canada has made no mistake about John Dene.
He's going nearer to win the war than any other man in the Empire."

"Ah! your incura