No answer. The downfall continued.
"The rain is raining everywhere," quoted Paddock gloomily. "It falls on the umbrellas here, and on the ships at sea. Damn the ships at sea."
"Here, here," said poor old George.
A damp doleful pause.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend," continued Paddock presently.
"A thousand apologies," Minot said. "But I'm running the same chances, Jack."
"Yes—but it's your party—your happy little party," replied Paddock. "Not mine."
Minot did not answer. He was as miserable as the others, and he could scarcely blame his friend for losing temporarily his good nature.
"It's after eleven," said Paddock, after another long pause.
"Put in closer to the Lileth," suggested Minot.