“Well,” he said at length, “it is probably plain to you that we cannot afford to be burdened with prisoners. For that reason, if given an opportunity, I had intended to set you adrift in one of the small boats when we were able to come to the surface and are close enough to shore for you to reach if safely.”
“You are kind captors, sir,” said the German with a bow. “Until such a time, then, I shall return to the quarters you have assigned me. Also, I give my word that I shall make no attempt to escape, nor to interfere with your plans.”
“Your parole is accepted, sir,” replied Lord Hastings. “The freedom of the ship is yours.”
The German bowed low and left the room.
“Do you not fear to trust him?” asked Jack. “Remember the trouble we had with the other officer.”
“I am not afraid to trust this one,” replied his commander.
“Nor I,” agreed Frank. “He is as different from the other as day from night.”
Lord Hastings rose and glanced at his watch.
“If I have calculated correctly,” he said, “we should by now be beyond the confines of the Kiel canal.”
“But,” said Frank, “there are still German war vessels and mines in the bays at this end of the Baltic.”