“All right! this is a first-class arrangement,” replied Clinch.
“Put your mouth close-up to the case, and speak very low,” added Gregory, who was as much pleased with his invention as though it had been a useful machine.
“I will,” answered Clinch in a whisper. “Can you hear me?”
“Very distinctly. The steamer is in still water now; and we may have to speak louder when she gets to sea.”
“I heard some strange voices in the cabin before the steamer sailed. Do you know who they are?” asked Clinch.
“I don’t. I have not heard them since the screw began to turn,” answered Gregory. “I believe I have heard one of the voices before; but I can’t think whose it is now.”
“It may be some friend of yours. Your folks are English.”
“But they all live in Lancashire; and none of them are likely to be in this part of England.”
“We can find out who they are when the steward brings our dinner,” added Clinch.
“I don’t suppose it makes much difference to us who the strangers are. Things look black enough on this side of the house,” said Gregory, in a rather desponding tone.