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 are still full of the want of an efficient air-defence.'

'That will come all right, my dear Claude, I'm sure,' replied Lionel who, leaning back against the corner of my writing-table, had lit a fresh cigarette.

'I sincerely hope so,' returned Roseye. 'What we sadly need is a Man who will be really responsible for air-defence—and air-defence alone—one who can make the most of the weapons that are now in our hands, and who has the wit, courage and initiative to use our own splendid airmen as they themselves desire to be employed—namely, to fight the enemy.'

'Quite so,' I agreed. 'We also want arrangements for warning the towns and cities that airraids are probable, so that people may take cover against both bombs and splinters of shell from anti-aircraft guns.'

'All that will come in due course,' Lionel assured us.

'No doubt,' I hastened to say. 'Please understand that I'm not criticizing any department of our defences. On the contrary, I only argue from the point of the man who may be desirous of protecting his home. Perhaps, as you say, some efficient means will at last be found by which to deal successfully with the enemy aircraft. If so, the whole country will eagerly welcome it.'

'What we don't like is attacks without any timely warning,' said Roseye.

Lionel smiled—with a touch of sarcasm I thought.