So they formed themselves into a committee of four, and Sir George insisted on Eager and Gracie coming to stay with them at Knoyle so that the work might go on without interruption. He went down to Liverpool, and with difficulty secured a steamship--the _Bakclutha_, 1,000 tons burden, James Leale, master, at a very high price, for Government charters had made a tight market. He went over all their lists carefully, knew just where to lay his hand on everything, and the work went forward rapidly. Eager had secured a locum and was keen to be off, for every day's delay meant so many wasted lives. Gracie was to stay on at Knoyle with Margaret. And so the very last night came, and found them sitting round the fire in Sir George's study after dinner. "You must all give an eye to my people while I'm away," said Eager. "Breton is a good sort, I think, but it'll take some time for him to get to know them; and the vicar----" "The vicar is resigning as soon as you come back," said Sir George quietly. "The South of France is the only place where he can live, Yool says. I want you to take it when you get home." "That is very good of you, sir. I want you to give me something else too"--and he slipped his hand inside Margaret's arm. "I know," said Sir George. "Meg has told me, and I could not wish her better." Gracie flung her arms round Margaret and kissed her heartily. "Oh, I am so glad!" she cried. "That is what I have been wanting all the time." "So have I," laughed Eager. And then more soberly, as he lifted Margaret's hand to his lips--"And truly I am grateful. My cup is full--almost to the brim----" "I wish I could go with you," said Margaret. "So do I," said Gracie eagerly. "Yes, I know, but----" And they knew too that the "but" must keep them at home. "You'll find out all about the boys, Charlie," ordered Gracie. "I'll do my best, dear, you may be sure. It all depends on what there is to find out and what an outsider can do. The possibilities are so tremendous. All we can do is to hope for the best and keep our hearts up. I have letters from Lord Deseret to Lord Raglan and several others, and I have no doubt they will give me all the help they can." And next day he sailed, very happy in his mission, happier still in what lay behind and before him; troubled only on account of the boys who had disappeared into the smoke-cloud, and of whom for many weeks they had been able to obtain no tidings whatever. The master, the supercargo, and the crew of the _Balclutha_ were all of one mind in the matter, and so she made a record passage, was through the Straits fourteen days after she hauled out of the Mersey, and two days later lay off Balaclava Bay awaiting official permit to enter. The Bay was crowded, but a corner was found at last, and Eager's wondering eyes travelled over the amazing activities and manifold nastinesses of that historic port, though these last were nothing now to what they had been.