She started away and toward the bow.
“Wait!�
She grasped the rail and turned. “What is it?â€� she asked. “I must hurry back. It was my dummy—that’s why I came.â€�
Fay reached in his pocket and whipped out a cigarette. He lighted it with cool fingers holding the match. He jerked his head toward the pilot-house and the fog-wreathed bow.
“The captain has a wireless message of some kind. He tried to find me in my cabin. The steward knocked. They’re looking over the ship for me now. Something has gone wrong. They wouldn’t do that unless there was a rumble.�
“Rumble?�
“Yes! I’m discovered! The Yard has wirelessed the ship. We were trailed aboard—you and I.â€�
“It can’t be, Chester.�
“It’s true! There’s no other reason for the skipper’s looking for me. He’ll probably lock me up if he finds me. I’m going to hide in this boat. You find out what you can about the smoked-glasses. I’ll stay here till you come back.�
She twisted the deck of cards in her fingers and narrowed her eyes. Her lips hardened slightly. Anxiety showed in the corners of her mouth.