The captain’s smile was pleasant but sceptical.
They seated themselves, Neeland declining an invitation to supper, and the captain asking his indulgence if he talked while eating.
“Mr. Neeland,” he said, “I’m about to talk rather frankly with you. I have had several messages by wireless today from British sources, concerning you.”
Neeland, surprised, said nothing. Captain West finished his bite of supper; the steward removed the dishes and went out, closing the door. The captain glanced at the box which Neeland had set on the floor by his chair.
“May I ask,” he said, “why you brought your suitcase with you?”
“It’s valuable.”
The captain’s keen eyes were on his.
“Why are you followed by spies?” he asked.
Neeland reddened.
“Yes,” continued the captain of the Volhynia, “my Government instructs me, by wireless, to offer you any aid and protection you may desire. I am informed that you carry papers of military importance to a certain foreign nation with which neither England nor France are on what might be called cordial terms. I am told it is likely that agents of this foreign country have followed you aboard my ship for the purpose of robbing you of these papers. Now, Mr. Neeland, what do you know about this business?”