"An American naval officer," replied the younger German officer.
For some reason the ober-lieutenant's manner changed. He looked Dave over curiously, but without the same ferocity.
"Be good enough to be seated," he said, with a wave of the hand toward a chair. "Let these swine stand!"
But Dave chose to remain on his feet. Again the ober-lieutenant turned to him, though with comparative courtesy.
"I offered you a seat, sir. I trust you will avail yourself of the invitation."
"I cannot seat myself, sir," Darrin answered, stiffly, "while a lady is forced to stand."
"Then the woman will have a seat too," replied the ober-lieutenant, with a contemptuous glance in Mrs. Launce's direction. But that young Englishwoman met his look of contempt with a glance that beat the German at his own game, and remained on her feet.
"Oh, very well," said the German commander, carelessly. "Now, I will enter in my log the name and other particulars concerning the master of the 'Rigsdak.'"
Captain Kennor accordingly supplied the particulars, which were written down.
"The English cattle next!" ordered the ober-lieutenant, gruffly.