CHAPTER IV

Stopford Goes Ashore § I “You know when we sail, Stopford?” said the Commander. “You bet I do, sir! Sharp on the tick of one, ackemma.” The captain of the _Ruritania_ wheeled round in his chair and stared at his senior surgeon. Dr. Stopford, his wavy brown hair immaculate, his mufti odorous of Bond Street, returned this scrutiny unmoved. His small rimless monocle glittered in the rays of the cabin lights. “I quite understand your anxiety.” The seaman’s keen eyes watched Stopford st…