"The captain wishes to see you, sir," he announced, bringing his hand to his forehead with professional smartness.

[Illustration: CHAPTER V]

CAPTAIN BROOKES

ON ships of all nationalities the captain's wishes are his commands. Tregarthen fully recognised this; so, returning the young officer's salute, he followed his guide from the cabin that had for so many hours been his prison.

It was but a few steps to the captain's cabin, but during his journey Tregarthen made good use of his eyes.

[Illustration: Staggering to the door he threw it open. To his great surprise he saw a burly sentry standing without.]