Page:Waylaid by Wireless - Balmer - 1909.djvu/342

Rh "Mr. Preston! Oh, hello, Mr. Manling!" a rough voice suddenly interrupted and made them straighten up angrily. A coarse, lumbering figure stopped in front of them, and the man was staring insolently down directly into their shadow.

"Oh, pardon, Mr. Manling," the man grated, in drunken courtesy. "I was told I would find you here, but wasn't told you were with your—your lady!"

Preston had jumped to his feet.

"Well?" he demanded.

"Oh, I was only going to say," the other cringed now, "that I won the pool to-day, as you probably know. My cabin is number 141, and I'm ready for a visit from you—any time!"

Preston laughed, not pleasantly.

"I hope to accommodate you with a—visit!" he replied grimly, "as soon as I can return Miss Varris to the ladies!"

The girl arose and watched her companion strangely as the other man moved away. She 314