on the Sub's part to induce the American to accompany him.  

Accordingly the eight-ton ketch Diomeda was chartered. Although somewhat small for an extensive voyage across the North Sea, she was far more seaworthy than many a craft of twice or even thrice her tonnage. Hamerton fell in love with her at first sight. It was not on account of her lines, for an almost total lack of sheer, bluff bows, and rounded run aft were not exactly pleasing to the eye. But there was a substantial appearance about the craft that was far more important than artistic curves, while closer acquaintance revealed the fact that she did not belie her appearance.  

Barely twenty-eight feet in length, with a generous beam of a third of her over-all dimension, and a draught of nearly six feet, the Diomeda was snugly rigged and canvased. Her cabin-top was low, offering little resistance to the wind, while her cockpit, lead-lined and self-emptying, was essential for passages across the short steep seas betwixt the east coast of England and the opposite shores of the North Sea.  

Descending the short flight of steps leading to the cabin, Hamerton discarded his dripping oilskin, and methodically hung it on two hooks in a cupboard devoted to that purpose.  

He was in no hurry: he rarely was, save when occasion necessitated, and only then did his activity become apparent. Otherwise he did things in a cool, calculating way that seemed in keeping with his ponderous form.  

The cabin was plainly yet comfortably furnished. On either side were sofa bunks, terminating with spacious lockers screened with curtains. Two scuttles in the rise of the cabin-top and a skylight overhead were sufficient to impart plenty of light, but owing to the flying spindrift these were securely fastened. In the centre of the linoleum-covered floor stood a swing table, on which was spread a chart of the North Sea. On the chart lay a pair of parallel rulers and a dividing compass.  

The Sub rolled the chart—placing it in a rack so as to be easily got at should it be required—dived into the pantry, and produced a couple of enamel mugs, plates and rather tarnished knives and forks. Then from another division he hauled out a teapot, some bread, butter, and a bundle of rashers.  

Taking the latter, he made his way along the steeply inclined floor towards the fo'c'sle.  

On the for'ard bulkhead was a clock and a barometer, surrounded by four signal flags representing the yacht's name 

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