"You are at liberty to ask," smiled Davis.
"Then, how did you get here—why did you venture here—and what of your little private expedition?"
"Those," said Davis, "are what I should call considerable questions. However, I can see no harm in answering them, particularly as you will never be able to repeat what you hear now. I came here in our submarine the U-16, which, by the way, I have rechristened The Vulture—a suitable name, don't you think?—and I came here because I had business here. Now, as to your other question. Our little privateering expedition is progressing famously. We have already sunk one British ship and secured a quantity of booty, which may have something to do with my presence in Ostend."
"I see," said Jack.
"And," continued Davis boastingly, "I came in right under the noses of the Germans. My submarine lies in the harbor at this moment. I came ashore in the guise of a German officer. I was not questioned, nor were you, I take it?"
His last words formed a question, and Frank answered.
"No, we were not questioned," he said.
"I thought not. Well, when I presently have finished my business—which, by the way, has been increased since your arrival—I shall make my way back to my vessel and put to sea again. I shall bother none of the Germans nor any ships of war unless they bother me—my business is with ships of commerce, where there is booty to be had—and when I have reaped enough I shall go to America, where I shall live the life a gentleman should."
"You'll make a fine gentleman," said Jack sarcastically.
"You think so?" said Davis, apparently unruffled. "So do I. But time presses. I am sorry I can entertain you no longer. You will please precede me from this room and upstairs."