“Now—before I go to deposit the check!” he smiled. “You will be safer on the tug. There will be no danger of an escape or a rescue—and it won’t be for long, I trust.”
“Your trust is no greater than ours, I assure you,” said Elaine.
Their few things were quickly gathered, and they went down to the wharf, where a small boat was drawn up ready to take them to the tug, which was lying a short distance out in the Bay.
“One of the Baltimore tugs, likely,” said Davila. “There are scores of them, there, and some are none too chary about the sort of business they are employed in.” 318
“Witness the present!” commented Elaine.
They got aboard without accident. Jones conducted them to the little cabin, which they were to occupy together—an upper and a lower bunk having been provided.
“The maid will sleep in the galley,” said he. “She will look after the cooking, and you will dine in the small cabin next to this one. It’s a bit contracted quarters for you, and I’m sorry, but it won’t be for long—as we both trust, Miss Cavendish.”
“And you?” asked Elaine.
“I go to deposit the check. I will have my bank send it direct for collection, with instructions to wire immediately if paid. I presume you don’t wish it to go through the ordinary course.”
“Most assuredly not!” Elaine answered.