knock off. Will you admit a non-fancy-dresser?"

He led the way below, calling for the orchestra as he went. The
frightened crowd turned and followed as if in this one man who spoke
with the voice of authority protection could be found. But they hung
back from dancing, and after a pause the first-officer seized a banjo
and proceeded to entertain them with comic songs. He kept it up for a
while, and then Mrs. Langdale went nobly to his assistance and sang some
Irish songs. One or two other volunteers presented themselves, and the
evening's entertainment developed into a concert.

The tension relaxed considerably as the time slipped by, but it did not
wholly pass. It was noticed that the doctor was absent.

A reluctance to disperse for the night was very manifestly obvious.

About two hours after the first alarm the great ship thrilled as if in
answer to some monster touch. The languid roll ceased. The engines
started again firmly, regularly, with gradually rising speed. In less
than a minute all was as it had been.

A look of intense relief shot across the first-officer's quiet face.

"That means 'All's well,'" he said, raising his voice a little. "Let us
congratulate ourselves and turn in!"

"There has been danger, then, Mr. Gresley?" queried Mrs. Granville, a
lady who liked to know everything in detail.

Mr. Gresley laughed with an indifference perfectly unaffected. "I