"We understand from the Captain of the Panther that the man went ashore with you at Plymouth," he said.
"Yes, and I lent him a fiver to get to London with. Here's his card," and Lawless produced the visiting card which the rescued passenger had given him.
"You have not heard from him since?" asked the officer, after glancing at the card.
"No, sir," answered the Lieutenant innocently. "It's quite possible he hasn't been able to see the Ambassador yet."
"Quite," said the other drily. "This man who gave his name as Smythe is really Reichster, the notorious German-American spy for whose capture a reward of £500 has been offered."
There was a long pause. At last Lawless pulled himself together and realised that life still had to be lived.
"I think, sir, if it could be managed, I should like to transfer back to the Sea Service," he said. "The Flying Corps is a bit too risky for me."