THE FOURTH YEAR 



prices. The total catch could not be compared with 

 the huge catch of peace time ; but it was a strong 

 tribute to the men who had ventured out to sea to 

 get it, and reflected glory on that mighty Navy 

 whose protection had made the fishing possible, for 

 the fish, without exception, had been caught in 

 dangerous waters; yet, hidden mine and submarine 

 notwithstanding, it had been brought to market and 

 the precious food had been put ashore to be dis- 

 tributed throughout the country. 



Men were buying and selling and handling the 

 catches just as if no such thing as war existed ; the 

 trawlerman was getting read}' to leave his vessel for 

 his snatch of change and rest ashore, the sweeper 

 and patroller were doing the same, and when they 

 were not so employed they were finishing their pre- 

 parations for again putting to sea. 



Away from the pontoon men were hurrying home, 

 meeting other men, with their kit-bags slung over 

 their shoulders, making for their ships. The home- 

 goers had earned another respite from the perils of 

 the war ; the}- had braved and escaped the dangers. 

 The ship-goers were entering on another adventure 

 which might be the last, but they were doing it 

 cheerfully and courageously. 



What was to be the fate or fortune of these men ? 

 Were the}' to be mined or submarined, to be de- 

 stroyed or taken prisoners ; or were they to come 

 back witli a profitable harvest from the sea? The 

 question arose unbidden ; but it was beyond the 



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