Dave gave a great start as he took his first look at the face of the German captain.
As for the German, he seemed at least equally disconcerted. Dave Darrin was the first to recover.
“I cannot say that I think your German uniform becoming to a man of your name, Mr. Matthews,” Darrin uttered, in savage banter.
“Matthews?” repeated the German, in a puzzled voice, though he spoke excellent English. “I cannot imagine why you should apply that name to me.”
“It’s your own fault if you can’t,” Darrin retorted. “It’s the name you gave me at the hotel.”
“I’ve never seen you until the present moment,” declared the German, stoutly.
“Surely you have,” Danny Grin broke in. “And how is your firm in Chicago, Mr. Matthews?”
“Chicago?” repeated the German, apparently more puzzled than before.
“If Matthews isn’t your name, and I believe it isn’t,” Darrin continued, “by what name do you prefer to be addressed.”
“I am Ober-Lieutenant von Bechtold,” replied the German.