It was no time for delay.
Enough precious minutes had been already wasted while he listened to the remarks of the trio upon the upper deck.
Georgia had made some laughing remark at the haste shown in their departure—she knew the weakness of Don Porfidio, and rallied them on their readiness to seek the confines of the stuffy cabin because forsooth a gentleman had come on board with a basket of champagne.
Perhaps, woman like, she was a little piqued because they beat such a hasty retreat.
Well, there was one ascending the ladder at this very moment whom a thousand baskets, each loaded to the brim with the finest of Mumms' Extra Dry could not tempt from the locality which she graced with her charming presence.
Roderic mounted eagerly.
Yes, the coast was clear.
The young girl sat quite alone, apparently lost in deep thought.
Around her were several steamer chairs, just as the gallant trio had left them when they made their hasty escape.
Roderic's eyes were glued on the girl.