In a little while she said: "Are you sure you haven't made a mistake?"
"No," said the Saint, "I've made a friend."
His arm lay lightly round her shoulders.
"I'm the fool who never grows old," he said. "But the manner of folly changes. Yesterday it was battle, murder, and sudden death; tomorrow — who knows? But while there's a boy you love waiting for you, and a song and a story for me — who cares?…"
One moment he held her eyes, and then he swung round and picked up a newspaper that lay on a side table.
One swift glance down the page, and he was looking at the clock.
"The Aquitania sails in seven hours," he said. "I can get you to Southampton with hours to spare; and then I can work a pull with the company. I'll guarantee you a berth—"
He read his answer in her face, and flung open the door.
"Orace!" he shouted, and his man came running. "Some sandwiches — a flask — coffee in the thermos. At the double! Is the Hirondel full up?"
"Yessir."