VII
Feeling as limp as a rag, Lieutenant-commander Wilverley managed to drag himself up the bridge ladder. He was the first of the drugged victims to recover consciousness, and even then his mind was in a confused state.
“What are we doing, Mr. Viner—? Hello! Where’s the officer-of-the-watch . . . That you, Raxworthy?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What in the name of goodness has happened?”
The midshipman explained.
The Owner’s mind became clearer as Raxworthy continued his narrative.
“And I put it about the blighter, sir,” declared the midshipman. “Gave him six hours to surrender his prisoners, and told him we’d open fire if he didn’t. And use aeroplanes; that bluffed him all right. He must have thought we’d some stowed below. It rattled him badly.”
“Where’s that rogue, Ti-so?”
“Don’t know, sir; probably having a good ticking-off from Fu-so-li.”