It was to rent, or purchase, the buildings at Parker's Beach, and fit them up as a field hospital, with three or four nurses in charge.

Lady Agatha, who had been listening intently, interrupted.
"But--the China Seas," she said.

"Did I understand you to say that you intend to set sail for the China Seas ?" "That is the ultimate destination of the Jasper B." said Cleggett.
"I have heard--it seems to me that I have heard--that it's a very dangerous place," ventured Lady Agatha.

"Pirates, you know, and all that sort of thing." "Pirates," said Cleggett, "abound." "Well, then," persisted Lady Agatha, "you are going out to fight them ?" "I should not be surprised," said Cleggett, folding his arms, and standing with his feet spread just a trifle wider than usual, "if the Jasper B.had a brush or two with them.

A brush or two!" Lady Agatha regarded him speculatively.