"One of the men we picked up in the life-boat wants to see you, sir."
"What about?"
"He would not say, sir. He insists it is of the utmost importance. His name is Michaelson, sir. Shall I show him to your quarters?"
"Very well. I'll see him immediately."
The aide saluted smartly and left.
"Who is this Michaelson?" Higgins said to Craig.
"I don't know," Craig shrugged. "Just one of the passengers in the life-boat. We didn't ask each other for pedigrees. About all I can say about him is that he is a queer duck." Craig explained how Michaelson had been constantly studying the contents of the notebook he carried.
The captain frowned. "There is a Michaelson who is a world-famous scientist," he said. "I don't suppose this could be he."
"Might be," Craig said. "This is the south seas. You never know who is going to turn up down here or what is going to happen." Abruptly he stopped speaking. A new sound was flooding through the ship.
It had been years since he had heard that sound yet he recognized it instantly. The call to action stations! It could have only one meaning. The Idaho was going into action. Something thrilled through Craig's blood at the thought. He turned questioning eyes toward the captain.