“By all means, my dear fellow,” answered the baronet. “Here you are.” And he passed over the telephone.
Taking the instrument, the professor adjusted it for use, pressed the black knob, and the bell began to ring. Almost immediately it ceased again, however; whereupon the designer of the Flying Fish spoke.
“Are you there, my Lady?” he asked.
“Yes, Professor,” came the reply. “I am listening.”
“Where are you now, Madame?” asked von Schalckenberg.
“I am still in Ida’s cabin,” answered her Ladyship.
“Good!” remarked the professor. “Now, please listen very attentively to what I am about to say. But, tell me first, is Barker still in the pilot-house?”
“Yes; he is steering the ship, and—I think—trying to find out the use of all the levers and wheels and things that he sees there.”
“Ah!” exclaimed the German, in alarm; “he must be stopped, quick, or heaven only knows what may happen. Now, please listen. Have you the courage to steal very quietly up to the foot of the pilot-house staircase, and do a very simple thing, quickly, before he knows that you are there, and what you are doing?”
“I have the courage; but I may not have the ability,” answered Lady Olivia. “What is it that you wish me to do?”