The navy eternal, which is the navy-that-floats, the navy-that-flies and the navy-under-the-sea . , whohad been struck by a shell while the Dajjodilwas getting clear, died dming the passage,but recovered consciousness before the endto ask faintly if all went well. They easedthe passing soul with the assmance that allhad gone very well; and in that comfortableknowledge Ms brave spirit fled. The dawn broadened into day and lit thesmouldering docks and debris-strewn moleand the motionless outstretched figures stilllying where they fell. It lit the shell-torn upper works of five of His Majesty
The navy eternal, which is the navy-that-floats, the navy-that-flies and the navy-under-the-sea . , whohad been struck by a shell while the Dajjodilwas getting clear, died dming the passage,but recovered consciousness before the endto ask faintly if all went well. They easedthe passing soul with the assmance that allhad gone very well; and in that comfortableknowledge Ms brave spirit fled. The dawn broadened into day and lit thesmouldering docks and debris-strewn moleand the motionless outstretched figures stilllying where they fell. It lit the shell-torn upper works of five of His Majestysships wMch had finished their last commis-sions : Thetis, Sirius, Brilliant, Intrepid andIphigenia, lying at the gates of the enemythat none might pass out. To these, at a later date, was added theVindictive, and though in time the enemymay dredge and blast the passages clear,though weed and rust will creep over thebattered hulls, something will long remainfor a testimony of the achievement; some-thing—because of the blood which oncestained the splintered decks— That is for ever EPILOGUE The shadows were lengthening across thesmooth lawns and terrace, and the rooks inthe elms behind the stable buildings hadbegun their evening wrangle for roosting-places when the Ford car came rocking andhooting up the avenue. 308 EPILOGUE 809 Just as well we didnt go to meet em,murmured Aughtlone on the threshold ofthe entrance hall, smiling above his half-rolled cigarette. I dont see much of theplace these days, but Im expected to holdto speed limits and consider my tenantsnerves on the Kings highway when I amhere. Lorton, of course, is an outlaw byinstinct —Lorton was the chauffeur. Hesbeen enjoying himself. To-morrow I shallbe requested to restock the poultry yardsof four villages and subscribe largely to thecottage hospital, after his devastating pas-sage. Brakespear, sitting on the top step withhis arms about an aged setter, chuckledsoftly. You always had a veneration fort
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