When they straightened up again they saw a servant standing between them and the still open doorway. At a round table in the back end of the apartment were three men—all Europeans.
Ned stepped forward to address them, but Captain Harmon drew him back and motioned toward the door.
"What do you want?" one of the three asked, in English. "Why this intrusion?"
Then Ned observed the face of the speaker, for the light was strong upon it. It was a face he had often seen pictured in reports of diplomatic cases. It was the face of one of the keenest diplomats in the world.
"I come from Captain Moore," Ned said, almost trembling at the thought of standing in the presence of the powerful man who had spoken.
"Can you send him here?" was asked.
"I'll try," was the reply.
"Who is your friend?" asked the other, pointing to Captain Harmon.
Ned turned toward the Captain and was amazed at the change which had taken place in his friend's appearance. The erect naval officer was no longer at his side. Instead, a shambling, bent figure stood there, with face bent to the floor.
"A seaman who is on sick leave," Ned replied.