“And you’re the boss of the whole ranch, Jack,” said Frank.  “Think of it.  Less than four years ago you knew nothing at all of naval tactics, and now you’re in command of a British destroyer.  By George!  I wouldn’t mind having your job myself.”

Jack smiled.

“Never mind,” he said.  “You’ll get yours some day.  I’ve just been more fortunate, that’s all.  Besides, I knew something of navigation before you did, and while you have mastered it now, I had a long start.”

“That’s true enough,” Frank admitted, “but at the same time you are considerably more fit for the job than I am.  Another thing.  I don’t know that I would trade my berth here for a command of a ship.”

Jack looked his surprise.

“Why?” he asked.

“Because it would separate us,” was Frank’s reply.  “We’ve been together now since the war began, almost.  I hope that we may see it through together.”

“Here, too,” declared the commander of the Brigadier, “but at the same time you should not let a matter of friendship stand between you and what may be your big opportunity.”

“Oh, I’d probably take the job if it were offered me,” said Frank.  “I’m just hoping the offer will not be made; that’s all.”

The lads conversed for some moments longer.  Then Frank looked at his watch.

“My watch,” he said quietly.  “I’ll be going on deck.”

“Right,” said Jack.  “Call me if anything happens.”

“Yes, sir,” said Frank, saluting his commander gravely.

Jack grinned.

“By Jove!  It seems funny to have you talk like that to me,” he said.  “At the same time I suppose it must be done for the sake of discipline.  However, it is not necessary in private.”

“Nevertheless,” said Frank, “I had better stick to it or I’m liable to forget in public some time.”

“Well, maybe you’re right,” said Jack.

Frank turned on his heel and went on deck, where he relieved Lieutenant Hetherton, who had been on watch.

“Nothing to report, sir,” said Lieutenant Hetherton, saluting.

“Very well, sir,” was Frank’s reply, as he, too, saluted.

It was after midnight, and Frank’s watch was nearing its end when the lookout on the port side called: 

“Boat off the port bow, sir.”

Frank advanced to the rail.  A moment later there was a hail from the water.

“What ship is that?’

“His Majesty’s Ship Brigadier,” Frank called back.

“I’m coming aboard you,” said the voice from the darkness.  “Lower a ladder.”

Frank gave the necessary command.  A few moments later a man attired in the uniform of a British captain came over the side.  He approached Frank, who was barely visible in the darkness.

“Captain Templeton?” he asked.

“No, sir.  I’m Lieutenant Chadwick.  A moment, sir, and I’ll call the captain.”

“If you please,” said the visitor.