The _Knat_ was on her way to the Clyde, where, with two other destroyers, the _Arrow_ and the _Kite_, she was to escort the recently launched battleship _Mars_ round to Portsmouth. It was evening when the _Knat_ arrived in the Clyde and took up moorings near the leviathan battleship, the existence of which was supposed to be known only to the Admiralty and those who had been engaged in her construction. As she was not to leave till noon on the following day, Lawless decided to take the opportunity of a run ashore, and accordingly, having arrayed himself in mufti, stepped into the boat and waved farewell to his envious junior officer. Now, on its way to the shore, the boat had to pass close by a very dirty coal-tramp, bearing on her stern the legend, "_Black Diamond_, Newcastle-on-Tyne." As they pulled near the stern in order to reach the quay, Lawless heard a certain order which made him prick up his ears and indulge in a few moments' very earnest thought. After a little reflection, however, he smiled at his suspicions, and dismissed the subject from his mind. It was somewhat late when, after a visit to the only music-hall which the district boasted, the Lieutenant made his way down a side street to a certain little Continental restaurant which used to be patronised almost exclusively by foreigners. His attention was attracted by two men attired in the uniform of Mercantile Marine officers who sat at a table opposite. They excited his curiosity, for, although they appeared to speak English perfectly, they were in uniform, and a British sea officer, like his naval confrère, hates above all things to be seen ashore in "regimentals." So impressed was Lawless that when the two officers left the restaurant he followed at a respectful distance till they reached the quay alongside which the _Black Diamond_ was lying. Here another thing struck him as being decidedly peculiar; for, instead of having an aged and rheumatic watchman aboard, as is the usual custom of British ships when in a home port, there was a man walking up and down in front of the gangway as if on sentry go. Then, more astonishing still, as the two officers went on board this man saluted them--an unheard-of ceremony on a British merchant vessel. With a growing uneasiness concerning the real character of the _Black Diamond_, Lawless hailed a picket-boat, and was taken aboard the _Knat_. Here he detailed his adventures and expounded his suspicions to Trent, who, however, was not inclined to treat them very seriously. "If you feel nervous about them, why don't you report to the captain of the _Mars_?" he asked. "And probably be regarded as a lunatic for my pains!" retorted Lawless. He remained in thought for some moments, then rose. "P'r'aps you're right," he remarked drowsily. "Very likely they're only harmless Dagos after all. I'm going to turn in, so clear out!" And a few moments later Lieutenant Lawless was sleeping.