And the reason was not far to seek. Britain had at last a definite policy. No longer was she content to "toe the line" at the behest of a party of international politicians assembled at Washington. She was determined to regain her rightful position as Mistress of the Seas. Without acting harshly towards her weaker neighbours, anxious to keep peace on the principle of the "strong man armed", Britain was much in the position of a big and tolerant brother keeping his brothers and sisters in order. As soon as the _Rebound_ paid off, Peter Corbold journeyed up to town after a hurried but comprehensive visit to a Portsmouth firm of naval outfitters. At the Admiralty he obtained official confirmation of his appointment as Flag-lieutenant, and also obtained the information that Sir Brian Strong (with K.C.B. and a dozen other titles tacked on to his name), was living in retirement near Bournemouth. That same evening, Peter went down to his uncle's house, a small, unassuming villa overlooking Poole Harbour. Although the hour was late, he found Uncle Brian in overalls, working in a laboratory that for area completely eclipsed the dwelling-house. "You're wrong in your surmise, Peter," observed Sir Brian, during the course of conversation. "I'm paying a flying visit to Rioguay. I'll probably be out there before you. Yes, it's concerning the diamond valley. I've obtained a concession from the new President, and I've formed a Limited Company. You're one of the principal shareholders, Peter--but we'll go into that matter presently. So I'm just off to introduce the Works Manager to the place, although in point of fact I'm rather keen to see the scene of our exploit again." Peter nodded. "Wish you luck, Uncle," he said, "but thank goodness I'm not flying. Had quite enough of that; blue water's much safer. But it was a great stroke of yours--the rays invention." "It was," agreed Sir Brian gravely. "But come this way." He took his nephew to a corner of the laboratory where stood a simple yet ingenious device. "That was my emergency gadget," he announced, after explaining the mechanism. Peter looked at it long and anxiously. Then he turned to his uncle. "Better sling it in the ditch before there's any harm done," he said seriously. Sir Brian chuckled. "That's exactly what I mean to do," he replied. "Give me a hand with the thing." Together they carried the latest creation of Sir Brian's brain out of the laboratory down the sloping lawn to a small pier. In the bright moonlight, Peter saw a small dinghy made fast to the steps. Into the stern-sheet of the boat the gadget was placed. Uncle Brian sat aft, while Peter cast off and took the oars. It was now slack tide and first high water. With steady stroke, Peter urged the dinghy along, while Sir Brian steered for the High Light at Sandbanks.