"Please accept my apologies also," said Tooker to the Jahores, trying to curb his apoplexy. "I assure you, sir, that this was none of my doing."
"You're not out of the woods yet yourself, Captain," said Horitz wryly.
Mrs. Jahore tugged at her husband's sleeve, but the ambassador looked interested. "You're in this too, are you?" he said to Tooker. "I think I'll stay and see the finish."
Horitz looked at Tooker. "Well, Captain?"
"I was up at six-thirty," said the captain.
"Right?" said Horitz.
The steward coughed. "Approximately right, sir. I should say that it was more nearly six-forty."
"Where did you go, Captain Tooker?" asked Horitz. "To the control room?"
"Certainly."
"Who was on duty there?"