"I am aware that Captain Arnold Hythe was in the ’Aphrodite,’" said the Consul, who was still unconvinced. He was an old Cambridge man, and as such had both participated and had been the victim of more than one elaborate hoax. Such episodes, utterly foolish as they appear to be, serve their purpose in after life. They impart a considerable amount of shrewdness into the human mind. "Can you offer me definite proof?" continued the Consul. "If so I should be delighted, since it is my opinion that the only vessel capable of meeting the ’Vorwartz’ on anything like even terms was, or perhaps is, the ’Aphrodite.’" Captain Restronguet bowed. "Sir, I feel honoured," he replied. "But since you cannot accept the word of a gentleman, I can offer no other solution." "It is part of my duty to investigate matters," said the Consul reprovingly. "If I remember rightly a photograph of Sub-Lieutenant Hythe appeared in the illustrated papers at the time he was supposed to have been lost in Plymouth Sound. I cannot admit that the gentleman resembles the portrait." "Have you a Navy List, sir?" asked the sub, speaking for the first time during the interview. The Consul walked across the room and took from a bureau a copy of the familiar blue paper-covered book, which he handed to the sub. "The ’Topaze’ is in the roadstead," said Hythe, as he rapidly turned over the pages. "Ah, here we are. Commander the Hon. C. L. Sedgwyke, I know him, but I’m afraid he doesn’t know me. Lieutenant Totterbull--h’m, yes, he might. But here’s Dewerstone, he was in my term at Dartmouth. Would you mind if he were sent for, sir?" "Certainly not. I will have a signal made at once," replied the Consul. "You wouldn’t mind, sir," continued the sub, addressing Captain Restronguet. "Dewerstone is a fellow to be trusted. He wouldn’t say a word to anyone outside." Accordingly a signal was made from the roof of the Consulate, and Sub-Lieutenant Dewerstone was informed by his captain that his presence was required ashore. The young man did not feel particularly joyful at the intelligence. He had already obtained permission to go to a tennis party, and having to attend on Consular Service did not appeal to him. Nevertheless, as soon as a boat could take him off, Dewerstone was ready. "Good afternoon, Dick," exclaimed Hythe as soon as the sub from the "Topaze" had paid his respects to the Consul. "Well, Hythe, where did you roll up from?" asked Dewerstone nonchalantly. "I thought you were in Davy Jones’s locker." "I am not," said Hythe earnestly. "Perhaps you would not mind proving my identity to His Britannic Majesty’s Consul." "Considering we were in the semi-final for the heavyweight and you knocked me out I think I can safely do that," replied Dewerstone. "We need not go further, gentlemen," announced the Consul. "I must apologize for not accepting your word, Captain Restronguet. Now what do you wish me to do?"