The first telegraphed question betrayed the prevalent anxiety.
"Hope all is well?"
What was he to say? Was it not best to speak boldly and let men know the truth, not alone as to their present desperate plight but revealing the measures he had devised for the protection of the light? He could not make up his mind to launch out into a full explanation that instant.
So he signaled:
"Everyone alive, but many cases of grave collapse."
Stanhope was again the signaler—evidently he had arranged matters with the Admiral at Portsmouth—so Brand expected the prompt reply:
"How are Constance and Enid?"
"Quite well and cheerful."
The tall man near Stanhope bent closer.
"Are Mrs. Vansittart and Pyne all right?"