CHAPTER XIX
PERCY KEEPS VIGIL
The morning of the third day after the failure of the search, and of the
sixth since McCarthy's disappearance, had arrived. During that time Percy
Darrow, apparently insensible to fatigue, had maintained an almost
sleepless vigil. His meals Jack Warford brought in to him; he dozed in his
chair or on the couch. Never did he appear to do anything.
The very persistent quietude of the man ended by making its impression. To
all questions, however, Darrow returned but the one reply, delivered
always in a voice full of raillery:
"I couldn't bear to miss a single step of Eldridge's masterly work."
About half past nine of the morning in question, through the door to the
wireless office, always half opened, somebody looked hesitatingly into the
room. Instantly Darrow and Jack were on their feet and in the hallway.
"Helen!" cried Jack.
"What is it? Anything happened?" demanded Darrow.
She surveyed them both amusedly.
"You certainly look like a frowzy tramp, Jack," she told her brother
judiciously, "and you need sleep," she informed Darrow.
The young scientist bowed ironically, his long lashes drooping over his
eyes in his accustomed lazy fashion as he realized that the occasion was
not urgent. Helen turned directly to him.
"When are you going to stop this?" she demanded.
Darrow raised his eyebrows.
"You needn't look at me like that.
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