“Through the Kiel canal,” replied Lord Hastings.
The Russian commander smiled.
“And you expect me to believe that?” he said. “Impossible.”
“Nevertheless,” said Lord Hastings, drawing himself up, “it is true.”
“I won’t dispute you,” was the reply. “Have your own way. However, I fear that I must place you under arrest.”
“Under arrest!”
“Yes. I have no doubt that you are English, but I believe you are traitors to your country. Your speech proves you are English, but it would be impossible for a British vessel to force a passage of the Kiel canal. I suppose you will tell me, however, that you sank several German vessels there.”
“We did,” replied Jack, breaking into the conversation for the first time.
Again the Russian smiled.
“And here seem to be two full grown men asking me to believe a thing like that,” he said. “It’s too much. Lieutenant!”