“Nothing to speak of, thank you.”
“If you have any charge to make––”
“Oh, no.”
The captain regarded him intently:
“Let me tell you something,” he said. “Since we sailed, have you noticed the bulletins posted containing our wireless news?”
“Yes, I’ve read them.”
“Did they interest you?”
“Yes. You mean that row between Austria and Servia over the Archduke’s murder?”
“I mean exactly that, Mr. Neeland. And now I am going to tell you something else. Tonight I had a radio message which I shall not post on the bulletins for various reasons. But I shall tell you under the seal of confidence.”
“I give you my word of honour,” said Neeland quietly.