"I am afraid it will be of no use, sir," replied the sub. "But, of course, I will do my best. Captain Restronguet is a man of iron resolution, and he has more than once told me that he has sworn to sink the ’Aphrodite’ rather than hand her over to the Admiralty." "That is a pity," said the Governor. "Why is this? He is an Englishman?" "Yes, a native of Cornwall; but he is labouring under the impression that he has been slighted by the Admiralty. He offered his invention some years ago and was, he informs me, shabbily treated." "Unfortunately that is not the only case," said the Admiral. "The mistake--for mistake it undoubtedly is--was possibly the work of some petty official at Whitehall. I’ve known plenty of instances of that description. However, Mr. Hythe, do your best in that direction, and find means to communicate Captain Restronguet’s decision as soon as possible. He will not, I hope, sell the submarine to a foreign power?" "No, sir; I think with all his prejudices Captain Restronguet does not forget he’s an Englishman. Otherwise he would not be so open in explaining a host of details connected with his vessel to me." "Well, we must hope for the best," declared the Governor. "And if Captain Restronguet succeeds in destroying this rascally German’s submarine--the ’Vorwartz,’ is it not?--we shall have something to be thankful for." Hythe made good use of the rest of the time allowed him ashore. Several of his brother officers, whom he had known on previous commissions, soon had him "in tow," but the sub strenuously declined to go aboard any of the ships. There might be some mistake, he might forget how the hours sped, and to miss his appointment at the New Mole was not to be thought of. He found an opportunity, however, of replenishing his scanty stock of clothing, and by means of a small "tip" enlisted the services of a "Scorp" to purchase a supplementary kit for O’Shaunessey. These he had placed in a small tin trunk, the lid of which was securely soldered down, and engaging a porter he told the man to follow him to the landing. It was now close on the hour fixed for his return, but a sudden obstacle was thrown in his way; he had forgotten the Customs. An alert Customs Officer, who was no respecter of persons even though they were in naval officer’s uniform, peremptorily demanded to see what the trunk contained. "Clothing only," replied Hythe, with considerable annoyance. "Value Five Pounds; here is my bill." "Must see what’s inside, sir," replied the man. "Please to order your porter to carry this box to the office. You will also step this way, sir." "Look here, this is all rot!" exclaimed Hythe indignantly. "I’ll pay up, even though it’s a blind rush; but I’ve an appointment to keep." The Customs official was obdurate. The sub glanced at his watch. It had stopped. He had forgotten to wind it. By a neighbouring clock it wanted five minutes to six.