Morgan stalked up and down the cabin, slapping his hand against the back of his head.
"There's only one thing. We've got to get Curt back to the brig before the captain learns he's on the loose. I don't see how it's to be done without— Mrs. Perrigord" he said whirling round, "what are you doing?"
"But, my own Henry," protested Mrs. Perrigord, jumping involuntarily. Her face wrinkled up in anguish. "Oh, I do so hope I didn't offend you! Reolly, I was only ringing the bell for the steward. Pierre Louys wants a bottle of champagne, you know, and you know it would be dreadfully rude if we didn't kick-offer… But I reolly didn't know which was the b-bell, so what could I do but ring oil the bells, you see… "
Morgan reeled. He dived and caught her arm just as she
was about to press a last push-button, hitherto overlooked, and labelled "Fire Alarm."
"Peggy," he said, "if you ever showed any sense and speed, show 'em now. If those bells don't bring down a Blob, at least there'll be a crowd of highbrows swarming in ire If things are all ready for the performance. At the moment, this is the safest place on the ship for Curt if you'll do as I tell you. Black his face — fit him out in wig Mild whiskers… "
"I will, Captain!" said Peggy grimly. "The poor darling sha'n't go back to that horrible old brig if 1 can help it. But what—?"
Morgan took her hands and looked her steadily in the aye.
"Can i trust you and Curt here for just five Minutes — just five minutes, that's all I ask — without your getting in more trouble. You can stay out of more trouble for live minutes, can't you?"
"I swear it, Hank! But what are you going to do?" " The skipper and I are going to take those papers back to that cabin before anybody discovers they're gone. There's no chance of being caught; the only chance and danger is here. Give me that emerald, Curt. I don't know What's happened or what it is, but we'll take it back and be quit of the responsibility. Hand it over!"