The German smiled in spite of his wound, which, it was plain to all, was giving him great pain.
"Of course," he said, "there is always the possibility of a passing ship."
"That's what we thought before," said Jack. "When we saw your vessel we thought we were safe. But you see how it turned out."
"Well, you'll just have to select a course and stick to it," said the German. "By the way, these men of mine. You are likely to have trouble with them. In our present situation I do not consider that we are enemies, so if the worst comes you may count on me to help you."
"Thanks," said Jack. "I shall remember that."
And the trouble was to come sooner than could have been expected.
One of the German soldiers suddenly laid down his oars.
"I want a drink!" he exclaimed. "I'll row no more until I have a drink!"