Page:MacGrath--The luck of the Irish.djvu/205

 there. An explanatory telegram would have held up the ship for an hour or so.

At Port Said there was no telegram awaiting Ruth.

Camden was one of the last to come on board. Ruth rushed up to him.

"Where is Mr. Grogan?"

"Grogan? Why, isn't he on board?"

"No. He didn't come back to the hotel last night." "Good lord! Why, I left him at the door of the theater. Only a few turns, and he was at his hotel. But I shouldn't worry, Miss Jones." For Ruth was still "Miss Jones" to every one but William. "I say, I'll run down and send some wires, one to the police and one to the hotel. He may not think to take the night express to Suez."

"I'll be very grateful to you. I'm dreadfully worried. He hasn't the least idea what caution is."

"We've half an hour. I'll bring you the receipts for the telegrams." Camden made off.

When the Ajax began her slow voyage down the narrow canal, Ruth stood watch until Port Said became an indistinct blur to the north. At midnight she saw the lights of Ismailia approach and pass. The captain, having been apprised of the situation, watched for a signal "passenger to board"; but none came. It was then Ruth went below, but not to sleep, merely to rest her weary body.

At dawn the slithering of the anchor chains