"Yes, of course. She struck a mine; you remember that?"
I affected to try to remember, stared round the room, and then helplessly at him and gestured feebly.
"You were picked up at sea. Does that help you?"
It wasn't likely to, and I shook my head.
"She came from Harwich—England, you know, and was blown up."
"Harwich, England," I murmured, as if the words had no meaning for me.
He muttered something in Dutch under his breath. "Does your head trouble you much?" and he smoothed my hair, feeling my head all over carefully.
I looked as stupid as a sheep. "It—it——" and I frowned and gestured to suggest what I could not express.
He looked rather grave for a second or two and then smiled reassuringly. "It will be all right in time, quite right. You are suffering from shock; but you needn't worry. No worry. That's the great thing. A day or so will put you all right, Herr—let's see, what's your name?"
But I didn't bite. "Is it Lassen? The nurse said so."