"Down swoops inquisitive Fritz," continued Morpeth, "and then we have him cold."

Wakefield stifled another yawn.

"'Scuse me," he murmured apologetically, "but it's not because I'm not interested. I am, really; but Nature is reminding me that I've had no sleep for the last twenty-four hours."

"By Jove! Why didn't you tell me before?" demanded Morpeth, in genuine concern. "Turn in, both of you, at once; and if you're out before the sun's over the fore-yard there'll be trouble."

"Right-o, on one condition," rejoined Wakefield.

The R.N.R. lieutenant-commander smiled grimly.

"I don't have fellows making conditions with the skipper of this hooker as a general rule," he remarked. "But what is it?"

"That we are called if there's any little stunt on," continued Wakefield.

"That's a deal," agreed Morpeth. "Good-night."