Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/316

Rh "I believe this is quite clear, sir!" he said. "But to make all absolutely certain, will you wait for the captain? He has gone down, with the steward, to your cabin to examine the box."

"Thank you!" the American acknowledged triumphantly.

"The captain, sir!" The officer brought Preston back from his quick exchange of glances with the girl.

The captain cautiously spoke a moment with his aid.

"Mr—er—Preston," he began then, facing the young American, "believe me, sir, I personally regret exceedingly that I must act as I am obliged to upon receipt of these advices; for I must say, sir, that I so admire your extraordinary audacity in making this plan which—but for the 'wireless'—I actually believe you could have carried out against us all, that I wish, for my own gratification, that I could continue merely to stand by and watch you play your game out. I regret exceedingly, therefore, the receipt of these 288