Astern glowed the phosphor of a restless sea divided by the white wake of the ship. The dark coast of Norway showed like a cloud bank on the starboard beam. Fay turned and stared at this highland. Hours passed with him in the same position. Passengers strolled upon the deck. The stewards appeared with steamer chairs and heavy wraps. The twin funnels of the boat flared from the inner fires. The single screw jiggled and thrashed. The stars came out and torched the overhead velvet.
Suddenly quick footsteps glided to his side. Saidee Isaacs turned and glanced forward as she laid a hand on his wrist. She closed her fingers and clutched with hot strength.
“It’s all right,� she whispered without turning her head. “I flirted with him and found out any number of things. He and his companion are going to New York. This ship reaches Stravanger at sun-up. He’s still wearing the smoked-glasses, Chester.�
“How about a card game?�
“All fixed, Chester. He’ll start one in a few minutes.
He’s invited me to join him at Bridge. My partner will be a stupid Russian with plenty of money. He’s the one who sat next to the captain.�
“Where do you play?�
“In the Ladies’ Saloon. There’s a port-hole just over where I’ll insist that Harry Raymond sits. He’s supposed to be the Right Honorable Frederick Lonsdale—this passage.â€�
“I’ll be at that port-hole,� replied Fay.