“What do you mean by that, Governor?”
“Is it not so? It goes by a wire, and returns through the earth. I thought you told me that.”
“Yes, but I don’t quite see why you mention that feature of the case at this particular moment.”
“I wanted to be sure what I have stated is true. You see, when you are gone there will be nobody I can ask.”
All this time the aged Governor was holding Jack’s hand rather limply. Drummond showed signs of impatience.
“Jack,” he cried at last, “that conversation may be very interesting, but it’s like smoking on a powder mine. One never knows what may happen. I shan’t feel safe until we’re well out at sea, and not even then. Get through with your farewells as soon as possible, and let us be off.”
“Right you are, Alan, my boy. Well, Governor, I’m reluctantly compelled to bid you a final good-by, but here’s wishing you all sorts of luck.”
The old man seemed reluctant to part with him, and still clung to his hand.
“I wanted to tell you,” he said, “of another incident, almost as startling as your coming into this room a while since, that happened six or eight months ago. As perhaps you know, we keep a Finland fishing-boat down in the cove below.”
“Yes, yes,” said Jack impatiently, drawing away his hand.