But now that I was only one wheel in a great machine of defence my nervousness seemed to have fled.
I was well aware that the mission I was bound on was full of risk; but, to my surprise, I felt no fear.

Indeed, I had much the same feeling as a boy on a Saturday's holiday who has planned a big expedition.

One thing only I regretted--that Tam Dyke was not with me to see the fun.
The thought of that faithful soul, now beating somewhere on the seas, made me long for his comradeship.

As I shaved, I remember wondering if I would ever shave again, and the thought gave me no tremors.

For once in my sober life I was strung up to the gambler's pitch of adventure.
My job was to go to Umvelos' as if on my ordinary business, and if possible find out something of the evening's plan of march.