"Where is the captain?" she asked.
"In his room, Madama. He has eaten and now he sleeps till midnight."
"And the officer?"
"He is on the bridge, Madama."
"Who eats here?"
"The officer and the engineer."
"Is the Engineer English?"
"Maltese, Madama."
The man spoke in low, respectful tones, his eyes flickering up and down as he sought to scan her features. This was most marvellous, he was thinking. The new chief officer brings a woman, a ravishing creature, on board in secret. This explains the abuse of the morning. What would the captain say? He must tell Plouff. He had mentioned to Plouff the singular behaviour of the chief officer when he, the steward, had attempted to enter that gentleman's cabin. Plouff had laughed and pushed him out of the road. It was time to call Plouff to relieve the chief officer. He hurried to the galley to fetch the stew. He lifted the canvas flap which screened the lights from a seaward view and found Plouff seated in a corner talking to the cook.
"Hi, Jo," he whispered, "Madama on sheep! Madama on sheep! Yes."