“Then,” said Lord Hastings, “I fail to see why we should have much difficulty getting through.”
“You mean,” said the German slowly, “that you expect me to pilot your vessel through the canal?”
Lord Hastings bowed courteously.
“Exactly,” he replied.
The German officer drew himself up indignantly.
“That, sir,” he said, “is hardly a fair thing to ask of a prisoner.”
“Perhaps not, you being the prisoner,” replied the commander of the D-16. “Still, you may have heard that ‘All’s fair in love and war.’”
“And if I refuse?” said the German.
“Well, it’s hard to say,” replied Lord Hastings quietly. “But I can say this much: We cannot be burdened with any human excess.”
“You mean you will kill me?”