“Nothing for the moment. He doesn’t know that I know who he is. I think that he will wait until we get to Genoa before he tries again. When we get there I shall go to the British Consul and ask him to advise the police.”
“But I think he does know that you suspect him. When we were in the salone before dinner and the Frenchman was talking about trains, this man was watching you. Mr. Kuvetli was watching you also. You looked so curious, you see.”
His stomach turned over. “You mean, I suppose, that I looked frightened to death. I was frightened. I admit it. Why shouldn’t I? I am not used to people trying to kill me.” His voice had risen. He felt himself shaking with a sort of hysterical anger.
She gripped his arm again. “Ssh! You must not speak so loudly.” And then: “Does it matter so much that he knows?”
“If he knows, it means that he will have to act before we get to Genoa.”
“On this little ship? He would not dare.” She paused. “José has a revolver in his box. I will try to get it for you.”
“I’ve got a revolver.”
“Where?”
“It’s in my suitcase. It shows in my pocket. I did not want him to see that I knew I was in danger.”
“If you carry the revolver you will be in no danger. Let him see it. If a dog sees that you are nervous, he will bite you. With types like that you must show that you are dangerous and then they are afraid.” She took his other arm. “Ah, you do not need to worry. You will get to Genoa and you will go to the British Consul. You can ignore this dirty beast with the perfume. By the time you get to Paris you will have forgotten him.”