He had studied the relative strengths of foreign navies, and by keeping his eyes always open he had, on many occasions, been able to give valuable information to our naval _attaches_ at the Embassies.

More than once, however, his trenchant criticism of the action of the naval lords had brought upon his head rebukes from head-quarters; nevertheless, so universally was his talent as a naval expert recognized, that to write had never been forbidden him as it had been to certain others.
"How's Hutcheson ?" he asked a moment later, turning and facing me.
"Fit as a fiddle.

Just back from his month's leave at home.

His wife is still up in Scotland, however.

She can't stand Leghorn in summer." "No wonder.