“Sure, Mike! Prepay or collect?”
“I'll—I'll pay it, John.” Captain Dan reached under his bathrobe. “Hey!” he exclaimed. “I declare I forgot I didn't have on—All right, John, I'll pay it. You go get ready.”
Mr. Doane was on his way to his room. Daniel hurried after him, a difficult progress, for the slippers and bathrobe made hurrying decidedly clumsy. He located his trousers and the loose change in their pockets, explaining the situation to Serena as he did so. He and his wife descended the stairs together. The captain paid the messenger and hastened to telephone for the cab.
When the vehicle arrived, John was ready. His farewells to Daniel and Serena were hurried ones.
“I'm awfully sorry I can't stop longer,” he declared. “I really shouldn't have come at all, under the circumstances. I—”
He paused. Gertrude was standing by the door. She was very grave and her eyes looked as if she had not slept. John went over to her; he, too, was grave.
“Gertie,” he faltered, “Gertie—”
Serena interrupted. “Daniel!” she said, “Daniel!”
The captain looked at her. She frowned and motioned with her head. The light of understanding dawned in her husband's eyes.
“Hey? Oh, yes!” he cried hastily. “Come into the front room, Serena, just a minute. I want to speak to you.”