CHAPTER XIX
FIRST CRUISE OF THE CURLEW
"So far, Jack, you and Mr. Zaranko seem to have had most of the fun," pronounced my cousin Betty, as we sat at luncheon in the Kings' private sittingroom in the Pera Palace.
Watkins for the moment acted as butler, and we were safe from inquisitive ears and could talk with freedom.
"What interests me," said Hugh thoughtfully, "is how many of those Johnnies you scragged last night."
"Only the one, I think," replied Nikka.
"You hit another chap," I reminded him.
"Yes, but two off their strength doesn't mean any great reduction in their fighting force."
"Still, counting in those two and the men they sent off with their women, as Nikka's pals reported, they'll be a good bit weaker than they were," argued Hugh.
"Just the same," insisted Betty, "we ought not to run any unnecessary risks."
"Who's we?" I inquired.