“A pleasure trip?”
“Not exactly, sir. In fact I am bound to silence.”
“I see. Does this voyage concern Gaunt?”
“I can say that our destination is the Congo,” the Earl announced slowly.
“May I ask if Gaunt will be on board?”
“He will not. But please don’t cross-examine me, sir. I am in a difficult position, and I must keep my promise.”
“Yes, that is necessary,” Sir Keith said reflectively. “You can have your leave.”
“Thank you, sir. May I ask if you have confidence in my judgment?”
“Yes—to a degree,” was the cautious answer.
“I can tell you nothing, but I would suggest that the first cruiser squadron of the Atlantic fleet be sent to the Canary Islands for a few weeks.”