"The U-rays?" Ruxton's enquiry came like a shot.
Mr. Smith replied quite unhesitatingly, and Ruxton's obvious suspicion was disarmed.
"This vessel," the inventor went on, quite undisturbed, "solves the last problem of sea traffic under--all conditions."
The light of enthusiasm was shining in the man's luminous eyes as he made his final pronouncement. It was as though the thought had filled him with a profound hope of the fulfillment of some ardent desire. It suggested to the more imaginative Ruxton that he cared more for the purpose of his invention than for its commercial aspect to himself.
"You speak, of course, of--war," Ruxton said.
The large eyes of the stranger widened with horror and passion.
"I speak of--international murder!" he cried fiercely.
Sir Andrew turned from the model at the tone of the reply. Ruxton would have pursued the subject, but Mr. Smith gave him no opportunity.
"Your pardon, gentlemen," he said with a sudden, exquisite smile of childlike simplicity. "Memories are painful. I have much that I remember, and--but let us keep to the business in hand."
"Memories are painful to us all--here in England," said Ruxton gently. "But--this is a beautiful model. Perfect in every detail."
"It was made in my own shops," returned the inventor simply.
"And you say this," indicating the model, "has been tested on a constructed vessel?"
"I have travelled more than ten thousand miles in just such a vessel. I have travelled on the surface at twenty-four knots, and under the surface at fifteen. I have carried mixed cargoes, and I have carried certain passengers. All these things I have done for experiment, so that the principle should be perfected. You can judge for yourselves. A vessel of this type awaits your pleasure at any hour. A vessel of two thousand tons."
"Two thousand?" The incredulous ejaculation escaped Sir Andrew before he was aware of it.
"It is nothing," exclaimed Mr. Smith, turning quickly. "A vessel of ten thousand tons can just as easily be constructed."
The sweeping assertion spoken with so simple a confidence had the effect of silence upon his audience. It was overwhelming even to these men who had witnessed the extraordinary development of invention during the war.