“Under the impression that the German government owned the sea?” Dalzell demanded, ironically. “To-day’s work, so soon after light and sunrise, must have shown you that others have something to do with the control of the sea. Three of your accursed submarines have gone to the bottom.”
“Yes, through your treachery!” hissed the German officer.
“Treachery?” Dan asked, with a hard smile.
“Yes; you hoisted a flag that does not belong to you.”
“We fired under our own flag. That is a right recognized by the nations.”
“It was treachery, just the same,” insisted the German. “You were afraid of us, so you took a cowardly advantage.”
“Treachery! Cowardly advantage!” Dalzell repeated, in disgust. “We destroyed your craft. But did you not try to destroy ours? Cowardly advantage? Of what use would submarines be to your people if you scorned taking cowardly advantage? Sparnheim, you are paid as a German officer?”
“To be sure,” admitted the other.
“Then you are making your living as an assassin—as a cowardly murderer. And the nation that employs you is no better than you are, but a partner in your crimes.”
“It is not true! We are not murderers, not criminals!” raged the prisoner. “We fight that Germany may live!”