Half an hour later he went down to his cabin, took off his coat and went to look for the steward. He found him busy with a mop and bucket in the lavatories.
“Signore?”
“I promised to lend Signor Kuvetli a book. What is the number of his cabin?”
“Three, signore.”
Graham walked back to cabin number three and stood for a moment hesitating. Perhaps he should think again before he did anything decisive, anything for which he might be sorry later. Perhaps it would be better if he left it until the morning. Perhaps …
He set his teeth, raised his hand and knocked on the door.
CHAPTER NINE
Mr. Kuvetli opened the door.
He was wearing an old red wool dressing gown over a flannel night-shirt and his fringe of grey hair stood out from the sides of his head in ringlets. He had a book in his hand and looked as if he had been lying in his bunk reading. He stared at Graham blankly for a moment, then his smile returned.
“Mr. Graham! Is very good to see you. What can I do, please?”