"It will, before long, go the way of the other German submarines," Dave assured her, hoping that there were enemy eavesdroppers who would overhear and understand.
At best exercise in this narrow short passage was a farce, though it was often more agreeable to be out here than sitting in the cramped space of one of the tiny sleeping cabins. The four prisoners rested, or moved listlessly about, until the evening meal was ready. Then Captain Kennor was summoned to eat with the petty officers, while Dave and his English companions received word to join the craft's officers in the tiny wardroom.
Mr. Launce glanced at Dave with a questioning look.
"Really, Mr. Darrin, I would as soon starve as eat with those German officer fellows, and my wife feels as I do about it."
"And my idea is the same," Dave answered.
So Mr. Launce turned to the German mess servant, delivering in German a message to the effect that the three prisoners did not care to join the officers at mess.
Thereupon von Schellen came out.
"What is the matter?" he asked.
"We don't care to eat with you, sir," Mr. Launce replied, bluntly.
"Oh, very well," replied the junior officer, carelessly. "You three, then, may eat at second table after we are pleased to be through."