“Florence!” exclaimed Lucile springing for the door.
Three taps, a halt, then a tap was the signal for lowering the rope-ladder.
A moment later Florence was being dragged into the cabin and ordered to give an account of herself.
“Sit down,” she said. “It’s rather a long story. When I’m through you’ll very likely be for leaving the O Moo in the morning, and I’m not so sure but that is the right thing to do. The cruise of the O Moo,” she laughed a bit uncertainly, “gives some indication of turning out to be an ill-fated voyage.”
With Lucile and Marian listening intently Florence told her story.
“Florence,” said Lucile, when she had finished, “do—do you suppose that has anything to do with the old Mission affair I told you about?”
“Or the warning tacked on our hull?” suggested Marian.
“I don’t know,” said Florence thoughtfully, “It might. The point really is, though, are we leaving in the morning?”
She was answered by an emphatic:
“No! No!”