“C. Q.”; or, In the Wireless House
past the Captain and to the top of the ladder. Lily gave a hollow laugh.
“Charming fellow—Ponsonby!” she remarked nervously. “No,—don’t come down. I can take care of myself. Good-night.”
The Captain and his attendant were leaving the wireless house as Micky turned back and he stood aside to let them pass. Ponsonby did not deign to notice his presence and strode by in haughty silence, but the seaman with the lantern indulged in an expansive grin and a wink that distorted half his face. The glimmering line of lights that marked the Frenchman suddenly seemed to slide forward. She must be getting off. He threw over his mains, wound up his detector, and hurriedly called the Patrie.
“Friend arrived safely,” flashed back Bruyere.
“Thank God!” muttered Micky, pleased at the sagacious manner in which his fellow operator had veiled his answer.
“Much obliged. Will write Algiers,” he answered. “Good luck and G. B.”
As he removed the receivers something white upon the floor at his feet caught his eye.252
