The Admiral glanced around the room, rather helplessly. “Of course the fact was known to quite a number of people,—such as we are here,—but, what are we to do if we can't trust ourselves? Nothing could have been more carefully guarded. Not a line in the newspapers, not a word uttered in public, not a——”
“The information could not have come from any one directly connected with the Navy department, Admiral,” said Steele slowly.
“I'm glad to hear you say that, sir,” said the Admiral, stiffening.
“For the simple and obvious reason that it was the Elston and not the Campion they went after. A spy in such a position would have known of the transfer.”
“On the other hand, it may have been pure chance that they attacked the Elston,” said Davenport Carstairs, a queer huskiness in his voice. “Coincidence, and nothing more. Thank heaven, they didn't get the Campion.”
Steele was the last to leave. He said good night to Louise Hansbury in the little hall outside. He had rung for the elevator. The door, on the latch, had been closed behind them and they were quite alone for a few minutes.
“Louise,” he said, and suddenly his voice,—scarcely more than a whisper,—sounded strange and unnatural to her, “it's a horrible thing to say, but the—the trouble is right here in this house. You heard what the Admiral said? I can't explain how it all happened, but suddenly I had a—well, a revelation. A great, flaring light seemed to flash in my face. I give you my word, it was actually blinding. I thought my heart would never beat again. I saw through everything. It is all as plain as day to me. God help us all, dearest,—it's—it's unspeakable. I've just got to tell you,—so that you may be on your guard. Tomorrow—or as soon as possible, at any rate,—you must make an excuse to get away from here,—for a visit, or anything you can think of. But get away you must!”
“Do you know what you are saying, Derrolf” she whispered, clutching his arm. She was trembling like a leaf, and swayed. An expression of the utmost dread and horror filled her eyes.
“Yes,—yes, I do. It is terrible,—but, by heaven, it's true,—as true as we live and breathe.”
She covered her face with her hands. “Oh, Derrol,—I felt it too,—tonight. What are we to do? What can be done?”