"Of what?" I asked.
"If you are asked, look deep and say nothing," said he. "The islands are full of people on what they call in the Navy 'hush' jobs."
"You seem pretty intimately acquainted with the British Navy down to its slang," I observed.
My nerves were perhaps a little strained this morning, and I meant by this to make a sarcastic allusion to the kind of blackguards he dealt with—such as Ashington. I glanced at Eileen as I spoke, and I was surprised to see a sudden look, almost of alarm, in her eye. It was turned on Tiel, but he appeared absolutely indifferent. I presumed she feared he might take offence and make a row, but she need not have worried. It would take a very pointed insult to rouse that calculating machine.
"Can you get a suit of mufti for me?" I inquired.
"I'll look one out presently," said he.
"I presume you keep a few disguises!" I added.
"A few," said he with one of his brief smiles. "You had better go up to your room in the meantime, and I'll bring it to you."
I fumed at the idea of any delay, and as I went to the door I said—
"Don't be long about it, please!"