"But isn’t this carrying a one-sided feud too far, sir? Surely my Lords have made ample reparation for a slight for which they were responsible yet perhaps ignorant?" "Time is a great healer, Mr. Hythe; but the reminiscences of my early struggles with fate cannot be easily erased. But let us not discuss the matter further: it cannot alter my decision in the faintest degree. Ah! good morning, Mr. Devoran. All correct?" "All correct, sir. We’ve still plenty of current left to take the ’Aphrodite’ another two hundred miles if necessary." "I don’t think we shall require so much as that, Mr. Devoran. Will you please muster all hands aft. Stop the motors, so that the engineers can be present. I wish to say a few words." As soon as the "Aphrodite" lost way the men came on deck, and formed up just abaft the after conning-tower. "Men," began Captain Restronguet in stentorian tones, "our voyage is almost accomplished, our great task is completed and little remains to be done as far as your services are concerned. Circumstances compel me to take a drastic step. The ’Aphrodite’ must never enter Falmouth Harbour. At noon we will fall in with a tug that most of you, I know, are familiar with--the ’Wayfarer.’ I want every man to collect his personal effects and stow them into as small a compass as possible, ready to be transhipped on board the tug. As soon as all hands are clear of the submarine I intend to send her to the bottom." Dead silence greeted this announcement. The men looked at each other in amazement. "To sink her for ever, sir?" asked Polglaze, when he found his tongue. "Certainly," replied Captain Restronguet. "You are not going down with her, sir?" asked another. "No," replied Captain Restronguet grimly. "I’m not at all that way inclined. Now, men, you have a couple of hours to make the necessary preparations, so dismiss and make the best of the time." With that the captain went below and retired to his cabin. Hythe, bitterly disappointed at the failure of his attempt to swerve Captain Restronguet from his purpose, walked for’ard and remained by the fore conning-tower deep in thought. "Say, Mr. Hythe, what is the cap’n thinking about?" exclaimed a voice, and turning the sub found himself face to face with Jenkins. "The sun hasn’t affected him, eh?" continued the aviator-in-chief to the Sultan of Zanzibar, touching his forehead significantly. "I don’t think so," replied Hythe. "It is, I believe, the outcome of a vow." "Precious silly vow," remarked Jenkins. "He always was a queer customer when he was upset. Can’t you prevent him?" "I’ve tried," said the sub. "Fair means or foul, I’d have another shot at it if I were you. I’ll back you up."