I have authority, granted me this morning in London." "Quite so," Sir Henry observed, "but we are in the midst of a very interesting little discussion which I intend to conclude.

Your turn will come later, Captain Griffiths." "I can countenance no discussion with such men as that," Griffiths declared scornfully.

"I am here in the execution of my duty, and I resent any interference with it." "No one wishes to interfere with you," Sir Henry assured him, "but until I say the word you will obey my orders." "So far as I am concerned," Lessingham intervened, "I wish it to be understood that I offer no defence." "You have no defence," Sir Henry reminded him suavely.

"I gather that not only had you the effrontery to steal a chart from my pocket in the midst of a life struggle upon the trawler, but you have capped this exploit with a deliberate attempt to abduct my wife." Griffiths seemed for a moment almost beside himself.

His eyes glowed.
His long fingers twitched.