"No, and I do not deny it, either," Dave smiled.
"You are interesting, but discreet," complained the German, banteringly.
"And I may say as much of you," Dave continued. "Naturally, you know some things that you would not tell me, and I know a few things that I would not dream of telling you."
"And, instead, you hint at things that are not so, and perhaps I do about the same thing," returned von Schellen.
After that silence fell for some minutes. Dave walked back and forth, the junior officer watching him keenly.
Overhead the crackling at the aerials continued, with occasional intervals of silence when the operator below was busy receiving messages.
Again a petty officer approached von Schellen, saluting and reporting in an undertone.
"It is time for you to go below," announced von Schellen, turning to Dave.
"I appreciate very much this opportunity to take the fresh air," Dave said, politely, as he turned toward the conning tower.
"Oh, I guess you're welcome," said the lieutenant, shortly, and with a meaning smile, "though sometimes there is such a thing as too much outdoor life."