within replied: "Oh, bother--what is it?"
"It's John. What about going ashore?"
"Certainly not." The voice was shrill and de-cisive.
"I've had a very bad night. I shall stay in
bed most of the day."
Para nipped in quickly, "Oh, Mrs. Clapperton,
PROBLEM AT SEA
205
I'm so sorry. We did so want you to come with us.
Are you sure you're not up to it?"
"I'm quite certain." Mrs. Clapperton's voice
sounded even shriller.
The Colonel was turning the door-handle with-out
result.
"What is it, John? The door's locked. I don't
want to be disturbed by the stewards."
"Sorry, my dear, sorry. Just wanted my
Baedeker."
"Well, you can't have it," snapped Mrs. Clap-perton.
"I'm not going to get out of bed. Do go
away, John, and let me have a little peace."
"Certainly, certainly, my dear." The Colonel
backed away from the door. Pam and Kitty closed
in on him.
"Let's start at once. Thank goodness your hat's
on your head. Oh! gracious--your passport isn't
in the cabin, is it?"
"As a matter of fact it's in my pocket--" began
the Colonel.
Kitty squeezed his arm. "Glory be!" she ex-claimed.