The attempt fizzled out. Both men stood silent, contemplating each other like a couple of boxers about to engage in a bout. "Can I do anything for you?" asked Seton. "No, thanks." Another interval of silence. Alec was wondering how to pass the time with such a mouldy messmate. He had rejoiced at the prospect of companionship, but his realizations in that respect were falling far short of his anticipations. The day wore on. The new arrival spent most of his time in possession of the open window, while Alec resumed his vigil at the seaward aperture of the cell until the midday meal was brought in. Suddenly the Sub felt a hand laid upon his shoulder, and the pilot's voice speaking peremptorily: "Who and what are you?" Seton told him his name and rank. "You'll take your oath on it. Proper jonnick?" "Proper jonnick," declared the somewhat mystified naval officer. "Good enough!" continued the R.A.F. pilot with a laugh. "Had to be on my guard, don't you know? Thought you were a Boche agent." "Thanks," said Alec. "And what gave you that impression, may I ask?" "Natural caution, that's all," answered the pilot. "Fritz has a nasty habit of putting a Boche in with a fellow as a sort of room-mate, merely to try and pick his brains, don't you know? Don't say it isn't done, 'cause it is. Your opening remark about my little stunt rather strengthened my suspicion." "And what made you alter your opinion?" "A fairly long period of observation," replied the pilot. "What settled it was the way you were taking your soup or skilly. Beastly rotten stuff, but a Hun couldn't take it silently--you did." "You're sure you're not mistaken?" asked Alec facetiously. "Certain sure," rejoined the other. "My name? Oh, just Smith! When a fellow wants to be specially polite he addresses me as Allerton-Smith. But, by Jove, what a rotten crib to be shoved into! How long have you been here?" Seton told him. "Doesn't say much for my skill in egg-dropping," continued the pilot. "Our fellows have got hold of the idea that the Huns have a large petrol-store close to the head of the Mole. Consequently I've tried my level best to bomb the place, and apparently you into the bargain." "Then I can assure you that you weren't far wide of the mark," said Alec. "Several times you rather put the wind up me, to say nothing of rudely disturbing my beauty sleep." "Is that so--then I apologize," declared Smith. "All the same it is a bit gratifying to know that I do get near the mark sometimes." "You did early this morning, at any rate." said Seton. "Those U-boats went up beautifully." "And so did I," added the pilot. "Haven't quite got over the rotten sensation yet. Wonder my 'bus wasn't pulverized with solid stuff flying up. The air seemed stiff with bits of submarines. Funny thing happened--but perhaps I'm boring you?" "Not at all," Alec hastened to assure him. "What happened?"