“You had better get off my ship before I lose my temper,” he said bluntly. “But rest assured that I shall report this attempt at intimidation and bribery to my employers, and they will without doubt lay the matter before the Government.”
“But Captain Ackinson——”
“Not another word, sir.”
“My dear——”
Captain Ackinson turned his back upon the two men, and with a stiff, military salute turned towards the bridge. Already the machinery was commencing to throb. Mr. Watson, who was hovering near, came up and helped them to descend. A few apparently casual remarks passed between the three men. From a little lower down Mr. Sabin and Mrs. Watson leaned over the rail and watched the visitors lowered into their boat.
“That was rather a foolish attempt,” he remarked lightly; “nevertheless they seem disappointed.”
She looked after them pensively.
“I wish I knew what they said to—my husband,” she murmured.
“Orders for my assassination, very likely,” he remarked lightly. “Did you see your husband’s face when he passed us?”
She nodded, and looked behind. Mr. Watson had entered the smoke-room. She drew a little nearer to Mr. Sabin and dropped her voice almost to a whisper.