“And goggles,” said Cluff.
“And his pass,” added Sherwen.
“Trust him to come back for them when he gets ready. He’s a rum josser for doing things his own way. Now, about the train.” And Galpy outlined the plan of departure to the men, who, except Carroll, had gathered about him. The Southerner, unnoticed, had slipped into the room where the scientist’s coat lay. Coming out by the lower door, he was intercepted by Miss Polly Brewster. He interpreted the misery in her face, and turned sick at heart with the pain of what it told him.
“You heard?” he asked.
She nodded. “Is it true? Did you see the permit yourself?”
“Yes. Here it is.”
“I don’t want to see it. It doesn’t matter,” she said, with utter weariness in her voice. “When do we leave? I want to go home. Send father to me, please, Fitz.”
Mr. Brewster came to her, bearing the news that the sailing was set for the morrow.
“I’m glad to know that Dr. and Mrs. Pruyn are provided for,” she remarked, so casually that the troubled father drew a breath of relief, concluding that he must have misinterpreted the girl’s interest in the man behind the goggles.
On his way to the patio, he passed through the room where the scientist had lain. He came out looking perturbed.