“I wouldn’t even think of it if I were you,” he said quietly.
The German drew back.
“And shall we let him go now?” asked Lord Hastings. “He is simply a burden to us, you know.”
The German’s face lighted up.
“We can hardly do that, much as we would like to,” said Jack. “You see, he might tell them all ashore that we have their plans, and they would naturally change them. As it is, believing that he has been drowned, the Kaiser will simply appoint a new military governor and use the plan of campaign already decided upon.”
“True,” said Lord Hastings. “Then we must keep this capture a secret.”
“Yes, sir,” said Jack, “and now we may as well get away from here.”
“In the meantime,” replied Lord Hastings, “his excellency shall be our guest. You may give the word to submerge, preparatory to departure, Mr. Templeton.”
Jack turned away.