“Gregg, keep the passengers quiet. Tell them everything’s all right. Miss Prince got frightened, that’s all. Then go up to the turret. Tell Blackstone what’s happened.”
“But I don’t know what’s happened,” I protested miserably.
Carter was grim and white. He whispered, “I think it may turn out to be murder, Gregg! No, not dead yet––Dr. Frank is trying––Don’t stand there like an ass, man! Get to the turret! Verify our trajectory––no––wait––”
The captain was almost incoherent. “Wait a minute, I don’t mean that! Tell Snap to watch his helio-room. Gregg, you and Blackstone stay in the chart-room. Arm yourselves and guard our weapons. By God, this murderer, whoever he is––”
I stammered, “If––if she dies––will you flash us word?”
He stared at me strangely. “I’ll be there presently, Gregg.”
He slammed the door upon me.
I followed his orders, but it was like a dream of horror. The turmoil of the ship gradually quieted. Snap went to the helio-room; Blackstone and I sat 334 in the tiny steel chart-room. How much time passed, I do not know. I was confused. Anita hurt! She might die.... Murdered.... But why? By whom? Had George Prince been in his own room when the attack came? I thought now I recalled hearing the low murmur of his voice in there with Dr. Frank and Carter.
Where was Miko? It stabbed at me. I had not seen him among the passengers in the lounge.