"Naturally. But how would they know about Jeffries and Hyman?"
Zellermann spread his hands.
"Who can tell? Seamen with money get drunk, sometimes they get into trouble. There are all kinds of situations in which they might talk. Luckily, however, they have nothing to talk about — except yourself. And you would never be indiscreet."
Prather swallowed.
"Of course not. I know I'm worried. But if you don't let me down—"
Dr. Zellermann nodded.
"I knew we could depend upon you, Mr. Prather."
And then silence fell. Dr. Zellermann seemed to have said all that he wished to say and James Prather was afraid to say anything more. They sat quietly, not meeting each other's eye. They sat like this for an undeterminable time, and their tableau was disturbed by Dr. Zellermann's blond secretary, with the sleeked-back hair, who stuck her head into the office and said:
"Mr. Carpenter to see you with two friends."
"Show them in."