“Still, you mustn’t talk as though things were utterly hopeless. If that’s the only trouble, surely it doesn’t mean your having to leave the Service? Won’t they be able to find you something ashore? There must be heaps of jobs where colour-blindness doesn’t matter a curse.”

“Oh, I dare say they’ll offer me a berth in what we call ‘a stone frigate.’ Sitting at a desk all day in some Godforsaken office, or piloting a party of M.P.s who’ve taken it into their heads that they want to look round a dockyard. What makes me so desperately mad is that it should have happened just now. As you said yourself, we’re obviously heading for war, and if I could only have carried on for another three or four years—” He checked himself abruptly, and with the faintest possible shrug picked up the glass of brandy in front of him. “Well, there it is, and what’s the use of talking about it? Better wait till to-morrow and see whether this bird Greystoke has anything to suggest.”

“Who’s Greystoke?” demanded Joe.

“Don’t ask me. All I know about him is that he’s a pal of my skipper, and that he used to be second in command at Portsmouth. I believe he’s something at the Admiralty now, but what his actual job is I haven’t the remotest notion.”

“How does he come into it, then?”

“I rather fancy that the old man must have written to him about me. Anyhow, I got a chit just before I left asking me to call at his place in Queen Anne’s Gate. Probably turn out to be a complete frost, but I may as well push along there and ‘mak siccar.’”

“How long are you staying in Town?”

“Haven’t decided yet. Depends upon what Greystoke has to say. I’ve booked a room at the Paddington, and if it turns out that there’s anything doing I shall probably hang around for a day or two. They’ve given me a fortnight’s leave, so there’s no particular point in bundling back to Plymouth.”

“Why not come along to the flat? I’d love to put you up, and you’ll be a whole heap more comfortable.”

“That’s rather a happy notion.” Owen paused. “Quite sure I shouldn’t be a nuisance? I’m not very good company just at the moment.”

“My dear chap, if you feel that way you can lock yourself in your bedroom all day and Watkins will bring you your meals. It’s quite likely I shan’t even be there. Halsey’s in charge of the new show, but I may get a wire from him any time saying that he wants me to come up, and if I do I’ll have to paddle off at once. In any case, I shouldn’t expect you to be bright and interesting. If I’d had a knock like that I should simply loathe the sight of everyone.”

“You’re an understanding bloke, Joe.” Owen smiled gratefully. “I think I will plant myself on you if you’re prepared to risk it. I’m certainly not looking forward to sitting in a hotel smoking-room making polite replies to some devastating bore.” He paused. “I want to be somewhere quiet where I can chew things over. After I’ve seen Greystoke I’m not sure that I won’t ask you to lend me one of your punts and have a few days on my own up the river.”

“Sound scheme, provided this weather holds. I’ve left a couple at old Martin’s boat-house at Playford, so you can toddle down there and take your pick. If I could spare the time—”

“Excuse me, sir, but you’re wanted on the phone.”

A page-boy had suddenly appeared at Joe’s elbow.

“Right you are.” He pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. “I expect it’s the office,” he added, addressing Owen. “You won’t mind my deserting you for a minute? Order yourself another brandy and have some more coffee.”

There was an appreciable interval before he reappeared, and as he threaded his way back to the table it was obvious from his expression that something had occurred to upset his usual equanimity.

“Damned annoying,” he announced, “but I’m afraid I’ll have to break up the party. Those wretched Air people want me to go round there at once and hear about some new change they’re making in their plans. Don’t suppose it’s the least urgent really, but we can’t afford to be haughty with a Government Department.”

“You’re telling me.” Owen laughed and hoisted himself up. “Don’t worry, old man, just shove off and make yourself civil: I’ve tons to do this afternoon, anyhow. Got to look in at the tailor’s for one thing, and then go along to the Stores and have my hair cut.”

“Well, when you’re through, collect your traps and bring them over to the flat. I’ll give Watkins a ring and tell him to get your room ready.”

“I expect he’ll curse me for making a lot of extra work.”

“Not a bit of it,” Joe grinned.