“Well, I’m not regretting that, Mrs. Watson,” the captain answered gallantly. “We got something for stopping there, but we shall get nothing decent from these confounded Germans, I am very sure. By the bye, can you speak their lingo, Mr. Sabin?”
“Yes,” Mr. Sabin answered, “I can speak German. Can I be of any assistance to you?”
“You might stay with me if you will,” Captain Ackinson answered, “in case they don’t speak English.”
Mr. Sabin remained by the captain’s side, standing with his hands behind him. Mrs. Watson leaned over the rail close at hand, watching the approaching boat, and exchanging remarks with the doctor. In a few minutes the boat was alongside, and an officer in the uniform of the German Navy rose and made a stiff salute.
“Are you the captain?” he inquired, in stiff but correct English.
The captain returned his salute.
“I am Captain Ackinson, Cunard ss. Calipha,” he answered. “What do you want with me?”
“I am Captain Von Dronestein, in command of the Kaiser Wilhelm, German Navy,” was the reply. “I want a word or two with you in private, Captain Ackinson. Can I come on board?”
Captain Ackinson’s reply was not gushing. He gave the necessary orders, however, and in a few moments Captain Von Dronestein, and a thin, dark man in the dress of a civilian, clambered to the deck. They looked at Mr. Sabin, standing by the captain’s side, and exchanged glances of intelligence.
“If you will kindly permit us, Captain,” the newcomer said, “we should like to speak with you in private. The matter is one of great importance.”