"I don't quite understand," he observed in his silkiest voice.
"It's very simple," I assured him. "This lady, whoever she is, seems to have mistaken you for a gentleman." I turned to Christine. "I hope I am not being officious," I added, "but if there is any way in which I can be of use, please consider me entirely at your service."
She rose to the occasion with all the quickness and courage that I had expected.
"If it's not troubling you too much," she said quietly, "I should certainly be obliged if you would row me to the shore."
Manning stepped forward, addressing himself directly to her. His manner was politeness itself, but there was no misunderstanding the veiled threat behind his words.
"For various reasons," he said, "I think you had better allow me that privilege."
I saw that Christine was hesitating, so I gave her no chance to reply.
"I expect you know your way up on to the deck," I remarked. "If you will excuse me I will be with you almost immediately."
For a second she still wavered. Then with the slightest possible bow she crossed the cabin, and passed out silently into the passage. I closed the door behind her.
Only once before in my life, when Bobby and I sighted our first German submarine, have I felt the same peculiar sensation with which I turned round and faced Manning. He stood where he was, an amused and half-mocking smile playing round the corners of his mouth.