"He is undoubtedly within his rights, Mr. Hythe," replied the Governor. "But, at the same time, he is over zealous. That will clear you," and sitting down he wrote out and signed an order to pass Mr. Arnold Hythe's baggage.
One minute to six. With almost indecent haste the sub once more bade the Governor farewell and resumed his headlong pace.
Just outside the Dockyard Gate he overtook the Customs official, who was puffing and blowing after his exertions on a fruitless chase.
"Very good, sir," exclaimed the man apologetically, "but you see dooty's dooty. I'll clear your trunk in a jiffy."
Bubbling over with impatience Hythe set off at a rapid rate, with the wellnigh exhausted official at his heels. A fresh catastrophe confronted him, for upon arriving at the place where he had left the porter with his trunk neither was to be seen.
"He's a wrong 'un, sir," exclaimed the Customs man. "You had better inform the police."
"Haven't time," exclaimed Hythe savagely, and without another word he ran towards the steps at the New Mole. When he arrived it was ten minutes past six, and no signs of Kenwyn and Gwennap were to be seen.
"That's done it!" ejaculated the sub. "And Captain Restronguet said six o'clock sharp."
CHAPTER XVI.
OVER A VOLCANO.