For a space of nearly half a minute the captain remained silent, apparently "sizing up" the young British officer who had fallen into his power. On his part Gerald Tregarthen drew himself up to his full height, and, standing stiffly at attention, looked his captor--since captor he undoubtedly was--squarely in the face, having first given him a salute which the captain punctiliously returned. "Take a chair, Mr. Tregarthen," began Captain Brookes, waving his hand in the direction of one of the settees. Gerald would have infinitely preferred to remain standing, but there was a veiled authority in the words, and without a sign of protest he yielded. Something in the man's personality compelled the sub-lieutenant to obey. "You are, I believe, a sub-lieutenant in the Royal Navy? Lately of His Majesty's destroyer _Calder_?" Gerald started. His interrogator seemed to know everything, but, recollecting that Jack Stockton had in all probability been subjected to a cross-examination, he replied: "Yes, sir." "And, judging by this "--here he tapped an official Navy List that was lying on the table--"you are what might be well described as a promising young officer?" "Might I ask, sir, why I am detained on board this vessel, and why I am subjected to this inquisition?" asked Tregarthen, ignoring the obvious flattery, yet truth, of the captain's last question. "To come to the point, sir," replied Captain Brookes, "you came on board because there was no choice in the matter; then, finding you are a man likely to suit my purpose, I decided to retain you." "To suit your purpose?" "Precisely. What my intentions are I will hasten to explain in a few words. You are now on board the cruiser _Olive Branch_, formerly known as the _Almirante Constant_. The circumstances under which the vessel was acquired from the Brazilian Government I will explain later. The _Olive Branch_ has no nationality; she claims the protection of no state or country. Hers is a particular mission; I, a nonentity, though owning no earthly master, am the controlling authority of a universal enterprise. No doubt men will call me a crank, a maniac, or worse. Most benefactors of mankind are so regarded--until they are dead and gone--but public opinion does not trouble me one iota. To be brief and to the point, my mission is universal peace, and my title is 'The Exterminator of War.'" The captain paused to allow his words to carry weight. Tregarthen gave no sign of incredulity or otherwise. He looked steadily at the man who had made this astounding statement, wondering whether some symptom of insanity lurked behind the calm exterior of his captor. Captain Brooke's features were lit by an earnestness that denotes sincerity of purpose.