The word "friend" was gently spoken, but Jack Benson replied bluntly:
"Some of the men here would lynch me, later in the night, Mlle.
Nadiboff."
The young woman laughed musically, though, as Jack glanced away for an instant, a frown flashed briefly over her face.
"You will not disappoint me, I know, Captain," she murmured, persuasively. "Besides, you are too brave to fear lynching for an act that grants pleasure."
This was so direct that Jack Benson could not well escape. Nor, truth to tell, did he want to. He found Mlle. Nadiboff's bright, gentle smile most alluring. So, when the music for the waltz sounded the submarine captain led her forth on to the floor.
At the finish, after Jack had led his partner to a seat, Lieutenant Featherstone joined them. One or two others approached, and Benson slipped away, though just before he did so the young woman's eyes met his with a flash of invitation to seek her again later.
"You've been extremely, attentive, but I, imagine some of the other men are combining to thrash you, Jack," smiled Farnum, when Benson returned to his friends.
"Mlle. Nadiboff is a very delightful young woman," Jack answered, heartily. "I'm sorry you don't dance, Hal."
"If I were very sorry, I'd learn," rejoined Hastings, simply.
During the waltz and the number that followed Jack remained with his friends, looking on.