The bizarre ceremony took shape in my mind's eye-the double row of British and American ships stopped for the committal, the ramp over the cruiser's side, the weighted body tipped as the padre intoned `… we therefore commit his body to the deep…' the uptilt of the ramp… the faraway splash as the object hit the water…

… following which a wreath will be dropped over the spot by helicopter flying from H.M.S. Teaser.'

I had to be aboard that helicopter! Only if I saw Peace's body sink into the depths would it allay the crowd of doubts and questions which clamoured now in my mind.

I'd like to fly in that helicopter,' I said quickly.

The C-in-C froze. His reply confirmed my suspicions. I'll consider it.'

` Consider!' I retorted. ` You don't have to consider! You can okay my request here and now.'

He said steadily, I said, I'll consider it. I'll inform you of my decision in good time. I can, however, promise that if you wish the pilot to drop a personal floral tribute-'

' Personal floral tribute!' I laughed in his face. The reek of whisky was in my nostrils. Mac's ' personal tribute ' was raw from the heart and it could stay at that, for my part. The mystery remained, larger than before.

' Forget it,' I muttered.

Ackroyd had been well trained. He glided on, trying to reduce the tension. The fleet will then make half-speed to a p osition east-north-east of Recif Islet, to bear 220 degrees

My sharpened mental reflexes jerked at the mistake in the orders.

The fleet's stopped for the committal,' • snapped.

There was a flash of anger, but also amusement, in the

C-in-C's eyes. Ackroyd dutifully fell silent. My eyes followed his steady stare at the coffin. I saw, too-the thing weighed a ton! I'd been thinking in terms of a body sewn in canvas. How would they get that heavy object over a ship's side?