Agatha Christie

“ Then with the suddenness of a bombshell my cabin door burst open and a man almost fell inside.
"Save me," he said hoarsely. "They're after me."
It was not a moment for argument or explanation. I could hear footsteps outside. I had about forty seconds in which to act. I had sprung to my feet and was standing facing the stranger in the middle of the cabin.
A cabin does not abound in hiding-places for a six-foot man. With one arm I pulled out my cabin trunk. ”

“ Are you better tempered now and do you feel inclined to tell me what it's all about?"
"I'm sorry that I can't satisfy your very natural curiosity."
"Why not?" I said, chagrined.
He smiled nastily.
"If you want a thing broadcasted, tell a woman. Otherwise keep your mouth shut." ”

“ CHAPTER X I WAS violently excited. I was sure that I had hit on the right trail at last. One thing was clear, I must not move out of the cabin. The asafœtida had got to be borne. I examined my facts again.
To-morrow was the 22nd, and at 1 A.M. or 1 P.M. something would happen. I plumped for 1 A.M. It was now seven o'clock. In six hours I should know.
I don't know how I got through the evening. I retired to my cabin fairly early. I had told the stewardess that I had a cold in the head and didn't mind smells. She still seemed distressed, but I was firm. ”