Captain Cable was the first to move. He turned and glanced at the clock.
“I'll turn the hands out,” he said, “and we'll get to sea on the ebb. But I'll have to send ashore for a pilot.”
“No,” answered Kosmaroff, rising and finishing his wine, “you need not do that. I can take you out to sea.”
The captain nodded curtly and went on deck, leaving Kosmaroff and Cartoner alone in the cabin in the silent presence of the man who had been the friend of both.
“Will you answer me a question?” asked Kosmaroff, suddenly.
“If I can,” was the reply, economical of words.
“Where were you on the 13th of March?”
Cartoner reflected for a moment, and then replied:
“In St. Petersburg.”
“Then I do not understand you,” said Kosmaroff. “I don't understand how we failed. For you know we have failed, I suppose?”