“Oh, no; nothing like that. Rather, I should suggest setting you adrift in a small boat.”
The German was silent for some moments, musing.
“And I might say,” continued Lord Hastings, “that you would be given no water or provisions.”
“You might just as well shoot me outright,” said the German.
Lord Hastings shrugged his shoulders.
“I couldn’t quite do that,” he replied.
“Well,” said the German officer, “if I must, I must, and that’s all there is about it.”
“I am glad you are so sensible,” said Lord Hastings. “Now, I shall turn the vessel over to you at once; but remember, at the first sign of treachery, there will always be a bullet waiting for you.”
The German bowed, but made no reply. Lord Hastings summoned a sailor, and instructed him to put the German officer in charge of the helm, but to keep close watch over him. The sailor and the German commander then left Lord Hastings’ quarters.
“Great Scott!” exclaimed Frank when they had gone. “Do you mean to tell me that you would have carried out your threat?”