“So,” he said softly. “I begin to understand. It was not Madigan who bungled it after all. Some one else warned Slade and Harris. I underestimated you, Pitt. Why, it has acted almost like a man.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I did warn Slade and Harris. I’m glad that I helped throw your devilish plans awry.”
“And talks almost like a man,” he continued with a touch of his old smile. “But as for interfering with my devilish plans, Pitt, you must not rejoice too soon. You have merely delayed the fulfilment of my plans, and you have made things very uncomfortable for yourself and your friends. When one acts like a man one must pay for it.”
“That’ll do, cappy,” said Chanler. He had taken Betty’s hand and was patting it assuringly while she looked up at him in wonderment. “I’ve told you that you’re fired. You’re not with us any more.”
“Not with you?” Brack appeared to notice George for the first time. “No? I am not with you any more, but you see—you still are with me.”
“Not at all, cappy. We leave you now. Sorry, cappy; enjoyed your society immensely, but, really, you know, this sort of thing can’t be done.”
To my great surprise the captain stood where he was, smiling tolerantly, while George and Betty moved toward the door.
“Miss Baldwin,” he said suddenly.
Betty stopped in the doorway.
“Yes?”