'What do you want, Hahn?' Trentham called.
'I speak for Captain Holzbach, of ze Imperial German Navy,' said Hahn. 'Ze captain bresent his gompliments and say zat he admire very much ze clever vay his ship is sunk, and zink ze vite men shall now be friendly, because we must all remain on zis island until ze var end. He vish to buy food, and say if ze savages come out and sell, he pay good price, and zey shall be safe.'
Trentham was under no illusion as to the German's good will; but wishing to temporise, partly with a view to the avoidance of further fighting, partly to allow for the arrival of the expected help, he replied:
'On behalf of the chief of this village I am willing to strike a bargain. If you, Hahn, and three other officers will come inside, unarmed, as hostages, a sufficient supply of provisions shall be sent out to you, on condition that you leave this part of the country, and engage not to molest the people.'
Whatever Hahn may have expected, it was clear that he was surprised at the terms offered. After a slight hesitation he said:
'It is not right zat German officers shall place zemselves in ze hands of savages, vat eat men.'
'But I am not a savage, and I guarantee that you shall not be eaten. You have good reason for being sure of that, Hahn.'
The German appeared to be annoyed at the allusion to his rescue from the dancing party on the beach.
'It is absurd!' he cried. 'Ze dignity of German officers vill not permit zem to do vat you say.'
'Then I am afraid that you must repeat to your captain that we cannot trade with him.'