There was a gleam of anxiety in the deep-set eyes. But there was no suggestion of deterring him.
Ruxton shrugged.
"I can't tell. You see, it will depend entirely on circumstances."
"Yes."
His father returned to his attack on his tie. Then he smiled.
"It was a master stroke having the two heads of the Admiralty on the premises, also our Foreign Secretary. You left nothing to chance, Ruxton."
"Nothing but the chances of the right or wrong of my beliefs."
The old man sighed as his tie went straight.
"Your imagination is beyond me. I could never have seen these things as you see them. I am anxious for you."
"Don't trouble about me. Be anxious if you will, but let that anxiety be for the woman I love, and whom I hope even after this to present to you as your daughter. If she is safe, then—for me nothing else matters. I have done all that is humanly possible, at least which is possible to me. The rest is in the lap of the gods. Wish me luck, Dad, and good-bye."