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4. and that is what I intend to take steps now to prevent because I don't want it to happen to you. Just help yourself to some more coffee while I make a call on the phone." "Before you reach for the Pentagon, Inspector, do you mind telling me how you happened to call me Doctor when I first walked in your door, presumably a total stranger?" The door opened again and two men entered. "Morning, Inspector." "Morning, What's that you've got there?" "As a matter of fact, it's no good morning. It's too cold, and I smashed two fingers. It's a tape recorder." "There's a doctor in the house. Give me the make. Is there a serial number? You can lay it on the deck while the doctor examines your hand. Nice little gadget." "Thank you, Inspector. Isn't it? Thank you, sir." The man drew his heels together and saluted. The Inspector responded in kind. "Excuse the interruption, Doctor. First mate from the Jane." She docked last night. Now let me take down your name and address. I'm going to check with the central office to make sure you're not disturbed in New Orleans. Lets see! Passenger P.A.S.S.E.N.G.E.R on the Italia, Hellenic Line, routed through to Naples. Alone. Give me the chief - hello - Kevin, Kevin. There's a doctor here who's travelling on the Italia to the Mediterranean. Have we waived the law concerning counting for ships under foreign colors? Or have we a waiver for this specific call? The doctor here is afraid I'm going to make trouble, but I'm assuring him that I'm only trying to make sure that the passengers are not subjected to any embarassment when they get to New Orleans. Will you look into it and let me know how the thing stands? O.K.?

 "Do you mind if I open the door a bit for just a minute?
 "Not at all. A good idea. That's a gas stove and

• The ship is planning to stop over in New Orleans to pick up some more cargo.