“Yes, he is a fine man, a splendid type of soldier. I don’t wonder the government chose him for this Panama errand.”
“It’s a mighty responsible job,” agreed Sam.
“And particularly when such a clever rascal as Jarrold, with unlimited power at his back, is hanging about.”
But then it was dinner time, and Sam, whom even the most engrossing conversation could not keep from his meals, hastened below. When he came back, he had an important look on his face.
“I stopped on deck for a breath of fresh air,” he said, “and stood out of the wind behind a big ventilator. Jarrold and his niece came along.”
“Didn’t they see you?”
“No; they were talking too earnestly; besides, the ventilator hid me, anyhow.”
“Did you hear what they said?”
“I couldn’t catch much of it.”
“Well, let’s hear what you were able to pick up.”