I kept my mouth very full while I thought these thoughts and conscientiously made the typical German chewing noise, and by the time my lips were cleared for action again a beaming smile enwreathed them.
"Do you have many ships which pass this way?" I enquired.
The question was a great success. Jock laughed with vacant glee and the rest of the family exchanged glances.
"No' very many," said Mr. Scollay warily.
Now I decided to give them the John Bull turn.
"No German ships I am sure!" I cried through a mouthful of porridge. "They are cowards! They will not venture here—no fears! They fear our brave sailors too much! Aha! We know that, eh?"
They agreed as coldly as I could wish. Evidently I was producing a thoroughly bad impression. At the same time nobody broke into whispered German, or made any comment that could conceivably be taken for a pass-word. I thought I would try giving them one myself.
"Are there many sheep in this island?" I asked.
Jock emitted another blast of genial laughter and Mr. Scollay as cautiously as ever replied,
"A good few."