His arm went down to the elbow, and he was forced to stand on tiptoe.

He was pale when he withdrew his arm, but in his hand was a square metal case, about the size and shape of a cigar box.
"By cracky! What's the matter, Mr.Breitmann ?" The admiral stepped forward solicitously.
Breitmann swayed, and fell against the side of the fireplace.

"It is nothing; lost my balance for a moment.

Will you open it, sir ?" "Lost his balance ?" muttered Fitzgerald.

"He looks groggy.