“Hard luck,” said Orde thoughtfully. “I'm going to step up to your house and see Mrs. Orde.”
“You can telephone her,” said the doctor. “And you can see her if you want to. Only in that case I should advise your remaining away from Bobby until we see how things turn out.”
“I see,” said Orde. “Well,” he concluded with a sigh, after a moment's thought, “I suppose I'd better stay by the ship.”
He called up Dr. McMullen's house on the telephone.
“Oh, it's good to hear your voice again,” cried Carroll, “even if I can't see you! You must promise me right after lunch to walk up past the house so I can see you. I'll wave at you from the window.”
“You're a dear, brave girl, and I'm proud of you,” said Orde.
“Nonsense! There was no danger at all. I'd been vaccinated recently. And somebody had to take care of poor Mina until we could get help. How's Bobby?”
XLIV
After lunch Orde went downtown to his office where for some time he sat idly looking over the mail. About three o'clock Newmark came in.