CHAPTER XXII.
IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.
“And I guess we might as well sink, also,” said Lord Hastings.
“Wait a moment,” protested the German prisoner. “What are you going to do with me? You remember you promised me my liberty before we entered the Baltic.”
“That is true,” replied Lord Hastings, “but so far no opportunity has presented itself. There has been no chance to fulfill my promise.”
“Well,” said the prisoner, “I am willing to take a chance. Give me a boat and enough provisions for a day, and set me adrift.”
“But you may not make shore that way,” protested Lord Hastings.
“That will be my funeral, not yours. I am willing to take the chance. I know these waters pretty well, and if you can furnish me with a pair of oars, I will guarantee that I will find a place of safety within twenty-four hours.”
Lord Hastings turned the matter over in his mind for some moments.
“So be it,” he said at length. “When would you start?”
“At once.”