Lord Hastings opened his lips to protest, but Jack took the words out of his mouth.
“It’s no use, sir, we mean it,” he said firmly.
A sailor approached and took his stand alongside the two lads.
“Neither will I go,” he said quietly.
A second sailor fell in line, the engineer, another sailor, the chief gunner’s mate, until finally the entire crew of the D-16 had expressed their determination to die with their commander.
Now the German prisoner spoke.
“It is useless for us all to die,” he said quietly. “Why not draw lots and see who shall stay? That is fair to all. I myself shall draw with you.”
Each member of the crew looked at the other. Slowly all nodded their heads.
“I protest,” said Lord Hastings. “I am the commander of this ship, and shall be obeyed.”
“This is one time, sir,” said one of the sailors, “when we shall refuse to obey your orders. Let us draw lots.”