"I do not wish to discuss the alternative beyond saying what I have already stated." Then, seeing that Tregarthen was on the point of giving a direct refusal, Captain Brookes interposed:--
"Now, don't do or say anything foolish. Take time to consider the matter. I'll see you at four bells in the forenoon watch, when I shall expect a definite reply."
_(A second instalment of this thrilling serial will appear next month)_
[Illustration: In spite of his strenuous resistance they hauled the deserter out of the empty tank, and then unceremoniously bundled him into the gig.] [_See page_ 112.
[Illustration: second instalment] BY PERCY F. WESTERMAN
GERALD TREGARTHEN, sub-lieutenant of H.M.S. _Calder_, decides to spend his leave on a small yacht. He accordingly takes train to Poole, where the craft is lying. On the journey he reads in a newspaper a passage relating to the departure from the Tyne of a powerful cruiser, nominally intended for the Brazilian Government, also a series of reports concerning a mysterious accident to the German cruiser _Zietan_. At Poole he joins his friend and former school-chum.
JACK STOCKTON, owner of the yacht _Playmate_. The same night they put to sea, intending to cross the Channel. When about thirty miles off the Isle of Wight they encounter a dense sea-fog, and the _Playmate_ is run down by a large vessel. Tregarthen is stunned by some falling gear, but is saved by Stockton, and both are taken on board the ship that has run them down.
When Tregarthen recovers his senses he finds himself alone in a cabin. From observation he comes to the conclusion that the vessel possesses astounding speed and that she is heavily armoured; also that he is a prisoner. At length he is taken into the presence of
CAPTAIN BROOKES, in command of the cruiser _Olive Branch_. This individual claims that his cruiser is the most powerful vessel afloat, and that it is his mission to exterminate war and secure universal peace, using the super-powerful means at his command to achieve that purpose.
He also informs Tregarthen that, as a British naval officer, he will prove useful to the _Olive Branch_ in her mission, and suggests that the sub-lieutenant should serve on board the cruiser for a period of not more than two years. At the end of that time he will be able to impart the valuable knowledge thus gained to the British Admiralty.
