Then he swung back to Rutile. “My name’s Caspar,” he said. “I’m second mate of the yacht Windbird. That’s her yonder.” He indicated Ouro Preto’s yacht. “Our operator took suddenly ill and I just brought him ashore.” Rutile remembered the launch he had seen leaving the yacht. “We’re sailing in an hour and want an operator in a hurry and the Marconi people can’t supply us in less than twenty-four hours. If you’re sure you’re qualified and would like the berth you can have it.”
Before the man had half finished Rutile had seen what was coming and had done some rapid thinking. Mad as he admitted his acceptance of the proposition would be, it nevertheless tempted him strongly. He was an adventurous fellow, was Rutile; and the danger of the thing appealed to him. As wireless operator he must necessarily be trusted to an extent that would give him a chance to find out something really valuable about what he had come to believe was a great political conspiracy. On the other hand, it was a good deal easier to get into such an adventure than it would be to get out of it. And what would the Ambassador say?
These thoughts flashed like lightning through his mind, but did not mirror themselves in his face. He had not been in diplomatic training for nothing. When the mate stopped he was ready to answer.
“I’ll take it,” he declared.
“Good! Can you come now?”
“Now?” Events were moving too quick even for Rutile’s hasty nature.
“Yes!” impatiently. “It’s now or not at all. I told you we sailed within an hour.”
Rutile shook his head. “I’ve got to have half an hour,” he declared positively. “I’ve got a room near here and I’ve got to pay for it and get my dunnage. But I’ll be ready in half an hour.”
The mate hesitated. “I suppose that’s got to do,” he acquiesced at last. “Yonder’s the launch. I’ll wait for you half an hour and not a minute longer. Hurry.”
Rutile hurried, and was back within the time allowed. He had spent half of it in talking with the Ambassador over the long-distance telephone, and most of the other half in buying an outfit for the trip.