“Well, yes, partly so. Also we are Americans.”

“Caught here at the outbreak of the war?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I’ll do what I can to get you out of it.”

“Thanks.”

“You see, I am not without influence. It happens that I am the new military governor of the city.”

“Is that so?” exclaimed Frank in surprise.

“Yes. I only arrived today, and was having a consultation with the Turkish admiral when this disaster occurred.”

“Have you any idea what caused this disaster?” asked Frank quietly.

“I guess there is no doubt what caused it. A British or a French submarine.”