'You shall have your father to yourself as soon as we have settled things,' he said, as he passed him.
Mr Ramsay, who had been manager of a British bank at Constantinople, was the other delegate from the boat. He and Ken's father both shook hands with Strang.
'We are most deeply indebted to you, Commander Strang,' said Captain Carrington.' We never hoped for such luck as to find a British vessel already in the Marmora.
'Ours is unfortunately the only sort that can get through at present, sir,' said Strang with a smile.' And after all, I don't know that you have much cause for gratitude. I can't ferry you home through the Straits, for in the first place I can't carry you, and in the second I have my job to do up here. There is only one thing I can think of.' Here he lowered his voice, so that Ken could hear no more. But presently he saw the others nod, evidently agreeing to the proposal, whatever it was.
'Ken's hand gripped that of father.'
Mr Ramsay went back to the boat, and she was at once taken in tow. The screws began to revolve again, and G2 swung round in a half circle, and headed due east, running on the surface.
Next minute Ken's hand gripped that of his father.
For a moment neither of them could speak. They had not seen one another for two long years, and both had so much to say that they did not know where to begin.
Strang, with his usual kindly tact, touched Ken on the shoulder.