“Very well, then, let us settle the matter while we are at it.” And Buel pressed the electric button.
The steward looked in, saying,—
“Dinner is ready, gentlemen.”
“Yes, I know. Just ask the purser if he can step here for a moment.”
The purser came promptly, and if he was disturbed at being called at such a moment he did not show it. Pursers are very diplomatic persons.
“Have you a vacant berth anywhere, purser?”
An expression faintly suggestive of annoyance passed over the purser’s serene brow. He thought the matter had been settled. “We have several berths vacant, but they are each in rooms that already contain three persons.”
“One of those will do for me; that is, if the occupants have no objection.”
“It will be rather crowded, sir.”
“That doesn’t matter, if the others are willing.”