Neither Frank nor Jack replied. Each realized that there was no use in entering a denial.
"I'll take my oath I'm sorry for this," said the German. "Of course, you know there is but one thing I can do?"
Frank nodded understandingly.
"You were found within our lines in German uniforms," said the commander. "Therefore you are spies and must be treated as such. I myself shall call a court martial within the hour. You must be shot. The other man will be tried separately, but I have no doubt he will suffer the same fate. Orderly!"
A second officer entered the room.
"Have these prisoners closely guarded and bring them here an hour from now," he ordered. "Then summon the commanders of the other vessels in the harbor. They shall sit on a court martial here. Hurry."
Jack and Frank were led from the cabin and locked in another compartment at the far end of the ship where they sat in silence until they were conducted to the commander's cabin.
And as they gazed about the cabin the eyes of both opened wide in surprise, though they made no sound.
For there, sitting with five other German officers about the table, was none other than Lord Hastings, still wearing his German uniform. He was sitting on the trial board.
The German commander who had captured them presided.