“I think we had better be on the safe side. If you have the slightest suspicion don’t wait to report to me. Wire at once to Henri at the clearing this message—take it down so that there’ll be no mistake—‘Six hundred four-foot props wanted. If possible send next cargo.’ Got that? He will understand. It is our code for ‘Suspect danger. Send blank cargoes until further notice.’ Then if a search is made nothing will be found, because there won’t be anything there to find.”
“Very good. It’s a pity to lose the money, but I expect you’re right.”
“We can’t take avoidable risks. Now about yourself. I see you brought no stuff up last night?”
“Couldn’t. I had a rotten bilious attack. I started, but had to go back to bed again. Couldn’t stand.”
“Better?”
“Yes, all right now, thanks.”
“Then you’ll bring the usual up tonight?”
“Certainly.”
“Very well. Now, what about ten forty-five for tomorrow?”
“Right.”