"The British cruiser which was mined early in the war?"
He nodded.
"Perfectly," I said.
"You never at any time came across her captain? His name was Ashington."
"No," I said, "I have met very few British officers."
"I don't know whether you heard that she was supposed to be two miles out of her proper course, contrary to orders, did you?"
"Was she?"
"Ashington says 'no.' But he was court-martialled, and now he's in command of a small boat—the Yellowhammer. Before the loss of his ship he was considered one of the most promising officers in the British service; now——!"
Tiel made an expressive gesture and his eyes smiled at me oddly. I began to understand.
"Now he is an acquaintance of yours?"