Manling, I believe? Aw—really I beg pardon," he retracted courteously, as Preston smiled patiently at him. "I rather—anticipated a bit, I say, did I not? I meant only, sir, that I am Mr. Close-Stuart, and I have just been informed that I have won the day's pool with my number 438, and will be only too happy to maintain my portion of our—aw—agreement."
"Thank you, Mr. Close-Stuart."
"I am informed," the Englishman continued cautiously, "that the captain has determined that the indications received this morning by the 'wireless' are a bit too—aw—inconclusive for action; and I believe that—aw—the gentlemen of the smoking-room have urged also that, under the spirit of our compact, no arrest should be made as long as you, sir, live up to our compact and are not—aw—caught by some of us aboard. So I can assure you that you shall have opportunity, sir, to carry out your portion of our—aw—compact."
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