"Captain Herford can take care of himself—" he began.
"As you have shown us, my dear Captain, as you have shown us!" said Parkington.
At which Herford scowled, then passed it by with a laugh.
They went into the house, and opened the shutters. Everything was calm and peaceful, as of yesterday. Save that the furniture was somewhat disarranged, no one would have imagined what a strenuous morning had been theirs. The table was spread for breakfast—the breakfast itself had been ready to serve. Marbury remembered that none of them had eaten, and it was now near noon. He turned to his guests.
"Gentlemen," he said, with a wave of his hand toward the ready fare, "let us fall to. Joshua, serve the meal—but first, I think, we all need a drink." He motioned toward the side-board, where the decanters glistened. "Help yourselves."
Parkington filled his glass, and held it up.
"Messieurs," he said, "it is not the time usually devoted to toasts, but, nevertheless, I give you: 'The ladies, may they be in safety now, and soon return to us.'"