He eyed Alec curiously. Although the latter greeted him with a smile and an outstretched hand, the pilot evinced no enthusiasm. There was a distinctly stand-offish manner about him that put a damper on the Sub's advances.
"By Jove! That was a fine stunt of yours," remarked Seton, as a preliminary to a friendly conversation.
"Think so?" queried the other with a slight drawl.
"Rather!"
"'Umph!"
The attempt fizzled out. Both men stood silent, contemplating each other like a couple of boxers about to engage in a bout.
"Can I do anything for you?" asked Seton.
"No, thanks."
Another interval of silence. Alec was wondering how to pass the time with such a mouldy messmate. He had rejoiced at the prospect of companionship, but his realizations in that respect were falling far short of his anticipations.
The day wore on. The new arrival spent most of his time in possession of the open window, while Alec resumed his vigil at the seaward aperture of the cell until the midday meal was brought in.