‘Britain’s sure shield’ was keeping her silent watch. Beyond lay the big ships, and beyond them again a host of merchant vessels, supply ships, colliers, and hospitals. Outside, the Destroyers would be keeping their never-ceasing patrol, and the trawlers and mine-sweepers would be bobbing to the north-east swell. The wind caught him chillily, and he shuddered and turned up his collar. A voice sounded from for’ard, high up on the bridge, then one bell struck, and he turned and went below. THE SEAGULLS Seagulls, seagulls! Birds of the air and sea! Seagulls, seagulls! Have you a word for me? Have you a word of my boy out there, Who left my heart and my cottage bare, Who left his mother and did his share; Tell me birds of the sea and air, Have you a word for me? Seagulls, seagulls! Birds of the wind and wave! Seagulls, seagulls! Back from the sailor’s grave. Have you a word from my man who died, Out in the track of the cruiser’s stride, Where death’s the price of a nation’s pride; Tell me birds of the wind and tide, How did my man behave? Mourners, mourners! Mothers of men and boys! Mourners, mourners! Death never quite destroys. Rather think of the deeds they wrought, Out in the dark where the squadrons fought; Think of their deaths as the price that bought Freedom and honour, and hail the thought, Sorrows are future joys. ‘FOR THOSE IN PERIL ON THE SEA’ This is a story of the early days of submarines, and the whole affair happened a long while ago--some years before the War, in fact--beyond which milestone the memory of modern man now rarely attempts to wander. The first news I received on the subject was from the centre sheet of a morning paper, an extract from which ran as follows:-- ‘H.M. Submarine “02” was lost in the Channel whilst exercising on Tuesday, 16th inst. There are only two survivors, Lieut. Allison, R.N., the second in command, and Stoker 1st Class P. W. Howell. All hope has been abandoned for the remainder of the crew, as “02” has now been under water for more than 58 hours, and the divers report that it will be impossible to lift her for another two days. Lieut. Belton, R.N., the captain, was the son of Admiral Belton, K.C.B., R.N., etc.’ Now I knew Allison. I knew him well, and I scented the chance of gaining a little more information on the subject than could be gleaned from the morning paper, but I deemed it wise to wait a little and not rush things too much. His photograph, a rather blotchy affair, appeared in more than one penny pictorial, and I felt sure of my man. However, I went wisely about my business, and put the matter away in an upper brain pigeon-hole, to be produced at the right moment.