British sportsmen in the smoking-room are beginning to complain that it is entirely contrary to the spirit of our agreement, which the captain accepted, that he keep on trying to get information from the shore. They want to catch Manling themselves. But I can't say that I am ardently with them in favor of a further delay for their amusement. Ah—here comes the second officer now, with the long-expected 'wireless,' I think. And I'm glad. Mr. Manling has managed, somehow, to confuse me with himself; but I can't quite see how he can make me have the things he stole. It was really becoming just a bit too much."
He waited beside his chair, confidently; but the girl, glancing at him, arose and stood beside him, as if a little apprehensive of something.
"Your rug, this, Mr. Preston?" the officer asked.
"Mine, sir!"
The officer compared it carefully with the message in his hand.
287
