"Well, we must hope for the best," declared the Governor.
"And if Captain Restronguet succeeds in destroying this rascally German's submarine--the 'Vorwartz,' is it not?--we shall have something to be thankful for."
Hythe made good use of the rest of the time allowed him ashore. Several of his brother officers, whom he had known on previous commissions, soon had him "in tow," but the sub strenuously declined to go aboard any of the ships. There might be some mistake, he might forget how the hours sped, and to miss his appointment at the New Mole was not to be thought of. He found an opportunity, however, of replenishing his scanty stock of clothing, and by means of a small "tip" enlisted the services of a "Scorp" to purchase a supplementary kit for O'Shaunessey. These he had placed in a small tin trunk, the lid of which was securely soldered down, and engaging a porter he told the man to follow him to the landing.
It was now close on the hour fixed for his return, but a sudden obstacle was thrown in his way; he had forgotten the Customs.
An alert Customs Officer, who was no respecter of persons even though they were in naval officer's uniform, peremptorily demanded to see what the trunk contained.
"Clothing only," replied Hythe, with considerable annoyance. "Value Five Pounds; here is my bill."
"Must see what's inside, sir," replied the man. "Please to order your porter to carry this box to the office. You will also step this way, sir."
"Look here, this is all rot!" exclaimed Hythe indignantly. "I'll pay up, even though it's a blind rush; but I've an appointment to keep."
The Customs official was obdurate. The sub glanced at his watch. It had stopped. He had forgotten to wind it. By a neighbouring clock it wanted five minutes to six.
Hythe hesitated no longer. Turning he set off at full speed towards the Governor's palace, the Customs man pelting at his heels and shouting to the bystanders to stop him. The sub was a good sprinter, even though considerably out of practice by being cooped up in the limited quarters of a submarine. Dashing past the astonished sentry at the entrance to the palace, before the soldier had time to salute, Hythe literally thrust his way into the Governor's presence and hastily told him of his irritating and serious encounter with the officious Customs man.