Prologue.

by Agatha Christie

　　It was 2 p.m. on the afternoon of May 7, 1915. The Lusitania hadbeen struck by two torpedoes in succession and was sinkingrapidly, while the boats were being launched with all possiblespeed. The women and children were being lined up awaiting theirturn. Some still clung desperately to husbands and fathers;others clutched their children closely to their breasts. One girlstood alone, slightly apart from the rest. She was quite young,not more than eighteen. She did not seem afraid, and her grave,steadfast eyes looked straight ahead."I beg your pardon."A man's voice beside her made her start and turn. She hadnoticed the speaker more than once amongst the first-classpassengers. There had been a hint of mystery about him which hadappealed to her imagination. He spoke to no one. If anyone spoketo him he was quick to rebuff the overture. Also he had a nervousway of looking over his shoulder with a swift, suspicious glance.She noticed now that he was greatly agitated. There were beadsof perspiration on his brow. He was evidently in a state ofovermastering fear. And yet he did not strike her as the kind ofman who would be afraid to meet death!"Yes?" Her grave eyes met his inquiringly.He stood looking at her with a kind of desperate irresolution."It must be!" he muttered to himself. "Yes--it is the only way."Then aloud he said abruptly: "You are an American?""Yes.""A patriotic one?"The girl flushed."I guess you've no right to ask such a thing! Of course I am!""Don't be offended. You wouldn't be if you knew how much therewas at stake. But I've got to trust some one--and it must be awoman.""Why?""Because of 'women and children first.' " He looked round andlowered his voice. "I'm carrying papers--vitally importantpapers. They may make all the difference to the Allies in thewar. You understand? These papers have got to be saved! They'vemore chance with you than with me. Will you take them?"The girl held out her hand."Wait--I must warn you. There may be a risk--if I've beenfollowed. I don't think I have, but one never knows. If so,there will be danger. Have you the nerve to go through with it?"The girl smiled."I'll go through with it all right. And I'm real proud to bechosen! What am I to do with them afterwards?""Watch the newspapers! I'll advertise in the personal column ofthe Times, beginning 'Shipmate.' At the end of three days ifthere's nothing--well, you'll know I'm down and out. Then takethe packet to the American Embassy, and deliver it into theAmbassador's own hands. Is that clear?""Quite clear.""Then be ready--I'm going to say good-bye." He took her hand inhis. "Good-bye. Good luck to you," he said in a louder tone.Her hand closed on the oilskin packet that had lain in his palm.The Lusitania settled with a more decided list to starboard. Inanswer to a quick command, the girl went forward to take herplace in the boat.