As briefly as he could Dacres related the incidents of his aerial journey and his interview with the authorities at Portsmouth.
"I told them that in the interests of the Empire you would doubtless communicate with them direct," he added.
"I will," assented Whittinghame.
"When?" asked Dacres eagerly.
"Plenty of time. Let them have a chance to indulge in a mild panic. We will pay them an official visit at the end of the week—say on Saturday."
"We?" repeated Dacres.
"Yes—in the 'Meteor' There are times when dramatic moments are desirable, and this is one of them. I'll write to the Commander-in-Chief and inform him that the airship that has caused so much stir in official circles will appear at Portsmouth at 10 a.m. on the 9th instant, and that her commander will, in support of his deputy's assurances, communicate an important announcement to the representatives of My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty—sounds imposing, eh? Well, let's have lunch, and then I'll introduce you to the 'Meteor.'"
During the meal Whittinghame studiously avoided talking "shop." He discussed topics of ordinary interest with consummate ease, his knowledge of all branches of sport being especially profound. He had all the noteworthy records of athletics at his fingers' ends, and had the happy knack of imparting his knowledge without conveying the idea that he was trying to be pedantic.
"Before we go outside," he said, after lunch was over, "suppose we have a look at the workshops?"
"I should be delighted," assented his guest.