"Thank you, Count von Weimer," replied Bob, as he read the card. "It is very kind of you." "Forgive me as a stranger in speaking to you," went on the Count, "but I felt I must. Never haf I seen such a feat of skill, and I cannot be silent. I take advantage of the _Entente Cordiale_. I bear a German name, but I am from Alsace, and my heart beats warm to you and your country," then with another bow he walked away. "Who is that old buffer?" asked Dick. "You know as much about him as I," replied Bob; "evidently he wanted to be friendly." "What did you say he was called?" asked the Admiral. "Count von Weimer, Chateau Villar, Alsace, and Continental Club, London," said Bob, reading the card. "Von Weimer is a good name," said the Admiral, "and the Continental is a good club; I've been there several times. I shall be civil to him if I meet him again. But now for tea. By Jove, Trevanion, but the boy has given you a twisting!" "Oh, Bob, I am glad!" whispered Nancy, as they went towards the Club House. "At one time I--I; oh, Bob, I _am_ glad you've beaten him." "So am I," replied Bob, "but I'm not thinking so much about the golf." "Now for tea," said Trevanion, with a laugh. "You've won on this field of battle, but in the next my turn will come." CHAPTER V Bob was in great spirits at tea that day. He had won his match, and proved himself a stronger player than Trevanion. Nancy, who sat by his side, was radiant with smiles, while evidently the Admiral looked on him with greater favour than ever before. "A remarkable feat, my boy," he said again and again. "To be five down to a man like Trevanion, and then to beat him, means not only skill, but nerve. That's the thing I like about it--the nerve, the pluck." "A game is never lost until it's won, sir," said Bob sententiously. "That's it, my boy. Stick to that. What did I hear about your plan to go into Parliament? Do you mean it?" "If I have good luck, sir." "A great career, my lad, and you should do well. I am so glad you've given up the idea of being a book-worm. Of course your scholarship will come handy to you in Parliament, so perhaps you've been wise to stick to your books. But the country wants men who can _do_ things." "I mean to do them too, sir." "Trelawney blood," laughed the old man. "Well, there's no reason in the world why you shouldn't do big things. I always had hoped that Roger would go into Parliament; indeed, he was as good as nominated for St. Ia. But he was killed in the Boer War, poor fellow. A fine lad too, as fine a lad as ever stepped in shoeleather," and his eyes became moist. "Thank God we are at peace now!" he added. "You are coming back with me to Penwennack?" he went on, when presently the party were leaving the Club House. "I'd love to, sir, but I can't. I must get back. I promised mother."