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 all my life. My governor taught it to me when I was a baby. Then when I got older if I went too far he kicked. Naturally I intended to stop in time, till I slipped in deep.”

Leonard nodded understandingly. “It always gets a nervous high-strung fellow. The better stuff you are the harder it hits you.”

Caradoc stared moodily seaward as he continued his recollections.

“The governor kept warning me. I don't believe he'd ever have kicked me out, but he died. Then they cashiered me—took my commission—and my family let me go, too… Well, I can't blame 'em.”

“Your commission—in the army?”

“Navy.”

“What were you?”

“Second lieutenant.”

Madden looked at his friend curiously. Here was a queer pass for an English naval officer. This revelation explained a good deal about Smith, his autocratic manner, his many-sided education, his emotion at leaving England. It even explained why he had expected Malone to place him in charge of the dock.