“Your name?” he demanded.
“Midshipman Jack Templeton, sir, of His Majesty’s navy,” replied the lad, with a bow.
“Explain your presence in Denmark,” came the next command.
Jack explained, and, after he had concluded his recital, the Danish general was silent for some moments.
“Uh-m-m-m,” he said finally, and his voice was not so harsh. “How old are you?”
“Seventeen, sir,” said Jack.
“You are indeed young to have seen so much service,” mused the general. “But this is a serious case. I am afraid I shall have to order you interned.”
“Is there no way out of that, sir?” asked Jack, now greatly alarmed.
“I am afraid not; but, have no fear, you shall be well treated while you are our guest.”
“Guest,” repeated Jack bitterly, “say rather your prisoner.”