"Brought the 'Antipas' into the Grand Harbour yesterday morning," explained Hugh. "We left a week ago under sealed orders, and have been pelting along at twenty-five knots practically ever since, except for a short stop at Gib. Something's in the wind, Slogger, you mark my words, or they wouldn't send seven modern destroyers up the Straits."
"Pity Greenwood and I weren't given a passage in her," remarked Farrar. "It would have saved a rotten run in one of the slowest old tubs it was ever my luck to sail in—the 'Timon'; know her?"
Holcombe shook his head. "What's your packet?" he inquired.
"The 'Zenodorus.'"
"Lucky blighter!" declared Holcombe. "You have a jolly decent skipper. Aubyn's his name, isn't it?"
"Yes," agreed the R.N.V.R. sub. "From all accounts he's hot stuff. I haven't seen much of him yet. We only joined the ship late last night."
"Where's Bruno?" was Holcombe's next question.
"Left him behind at Penkestle. Greenwood's governor is taking care of him. Didn't seem to like the idea at first. Thought Bruno would be too much of a handful, but before I left he was quite pally with the dog. I should be surprised if he wants to part with him. You see, there was no accommodation on the 'Timon,' so Bruno and I had to 'split brass rags.'"
"It's little use crying over spilt milk, Slogger," continued his chum. "Had I known that you were here and that we were under orders for Malta I could easily have given Bruno a passage. But I'll tell you what I'll do: the storeship 'Gunnybag' is leaving Devonport in about a fortnight. I'll write to young Jolly, who's a pal of mine, and ask him to bring the dog out—that is, if you want him?"
"Thanks, rather," replied Farrar warmly.