I will signal you with two triple knocks, thus." He illustrated the knocks, on the table, and, unlocking the door, left the cabin in a black humor.

The sound of the woman locking the door after him, the knowledge that he had been obliged to make up a little code for readmission, angered him as he rarely had been angered.
Self-protection, however, demanded these subterfuges.

To let the secret escape, and to be obliged to admit having been deceived by a woman, would fatally lower his prestige with the Legionaries.

How could he, if known to be the dupe of a woman, command those hard, bold men?
Humiliated, yet in his heart thankful that no one had yet penetrated the secret--as Dr.Lombardo easily might have done, had he laid forcible hands on "Captain Alden"-- the Master set about the necessary task of himself preparing a stateroom and providing the requisite medical supplies.
Lombardo asked no questions.

His eyes, however, had grown quizzical.
No one else seemed to notice what the Master was about.