The Walewska's oil would have killed off the bird and marine life of these islands if I'd allowed her to stay afloat. So I'd blown her up with special charges so that the oil was destroyed-rather than send her to the bottom and risk seepage from the wreck. The danger was compounded by a strong current which flows through the guano isles. I'd acted fast, and on my own initiative. I meant what I said: 'Thanks. Thanks for coming?

His grin behind the beard made him look ridiculously young.

'Let's go,' I said.

'First, I'll go and borrow you a coat from the chopper, You'll get soaked.'

'It doesn't matter?

'It was told to look after you. You must be bloody cold, if I may say so, sir.

'I hadn't noticed-not after the Navy's warm reception.'

He smiled, then strode out to the helicopter and brought me back a weatherproof. I felt good. I hadn't been looking forward to the cheerless process of landing unmet and making my way to a deathbed. We fell into step and made for the machine.

I broke the companionable silence.

'Is my mother still alive, Lieutenant?'

A flicker passed across his face. His reply was neutral. 'I don't know, sir. I've told you what my orders are.'

'She must be, otherwise all this wouldn't have been laid on.''I suppose so, sir:

'Thank the C-in-C when you report, will you? I'll also call later and thank him personally.'

He didn't answer as he held open the door of the Wasp. '

Here we are, sir.'

A thick-set petty officer gave me a hand up and took my case. The pilot nodded. There were the usual clattering preliminaries and then we were airborne. The international airport lies about fifteen miles out of Cape Town. Facing it, the city on your right and a chain of 22 a suburbs and resorts stretches to the left as far as the naval base at Simonstown.