"No, I was enjoying myself, you see. I'm a careless fellow, but I'm a modest one also; and I've made too much of a sensation for my taste."
"You're fond of sensations, my good sir," said Sir John, with his abominable arrogance.
"Well, if you'll allow me, I'll shed all I can of this—that is, clothes," I replied calmly, and I went below.
When I had had a bath and assumed my yachting costume, I came on deck again, only to meet Day in a furious temper, as I could tell from his eyes. I explained the circumstances of my mishap, adding that I had not received my notice, which was no doubt my fault.
"I certainly might have made more changes at Rio than I did," he said maliciously, and passed by me.
It was ungracious, but the man was not responsible. From the deck above, the face of Mlle. Trebizond peered down at me, smiling and handsome.
"It was an adventure," she said in her English, showing her pretty teeth. "It was most exciting, doctor, to be chased by a pirate."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, mademoiselle," said I politely. "I take some credit to myself for the rocket."
"Oh, but it should have been dark—that would have been much better," said she. "Come up and tell me all about it."
After a momentary hesitation I obeyed, and when I reached the deck I found Princess Alix there. Once more I explained my misadventure, and Mlle. Trebizond chatted and laughed in great good-humour. She had made many purchases, but complained of the shops. She could not get her favourite perfume, she protested, and wondered how people could live in such remote regions. Then she tired of me, I suppose, and walked off, leaving me to the Princess. Her blue eyes, as cold as her brother's, flashed a question at me.