"Yes: handed in me resignation Friday afternoon."
"What on earth for? You were climbing to the top of the tree there."
"I preferred to be on the ground," said Brand oracularly.
Philip decided not to press for information.
"Still, I'm sorry," he said.
"Why? I wasn't fired, if that's what you mean," said Brand swiftly.
At this moment another passenger came tacking down the alleyway, and Brand departed in the further execution of his official duties.
There are no facilities upon ocean liners for promoting social intercourse between bath-stewards and cabin passengers, so Philip did not see Brand again until the same hour the following morning.
"By the way, Brand," he said, as he waited for the proper adjustment of the bath's temperature, "there is a mutual friend of ours on board, travelling second class. Did you know?"
"Yes," said Brand thickly, "I did."