[Illustration: THE TOO-FAITHFUL FLIRT]
"So this is the animal that didn't bite Councillor What's-his-name?" remarked the Lieutenant-Commander, for the report of the police-court proceedings at the Otherport Town Hall was common knowledge.
"I'm afraid, sir," replied the Sub, "that Flirt was guilty of the offence."
"Eh, what's that?" asked the Hon. Derek sharply.
Briefly Noel outlined what had occurred, for the present confining himself to the case as decided by the magistrates. The story of the previous interview with Councillor Mindiggle could be deferred to a more convenient season.
"She doesn't look like a snappy cur," remarked the skipper.
"Nor is she, sir," Fordyce hastened to assert. "Something must have irritated her."
"So you smuggled her abroad?"
The Sub denied the impeachment.