"The Commodore has asked me to select a certain number of officers for a particular service," began the Commander. "It occurred to me that for various reasons you would be a suitable candidate. It is, of course, optional whether you accept or otherwise, since it is a matter requiring great discretion and involving a certain amount of risk, not to say danger."
The "Bloke" paused and fixed his eyes upon the young officer.
"Near East, for a dead cert," thought Cavendish, then aloud he said, "I'm quite ready, sir."
"You'd better wait until you've learnt more of the nature of the operations," resumed the Commander, with a wry smile. "Let me see; you served a commission in the South American station, I believe?"
"Yes, sir; midshipman on the Cyclex in 1921-2."
"You know the approaches to Bahia? And San Luiz? And Macapa? Good. Now, describe the anchorage off Port of Spain."
"Weeds" did so, evidently to the Commander's satisfaction.
"Do you know anything of the Rio Guaya?" continued his inquirer.
"No, sir," replied Cavendish promptly. "We never put in there during the whole of the commission. But——"
He paused, thinking that what he was about to say was irrelevant.