"I am afraid I shall have to ask you to stay with me for a few days longer," he added.
I don't think I ever got a more unpleasant shock.
"You mean you wish me not to rejoin my ship to-morrow night?"
"I know it is asking a great deal of you; but, my dear Belke, duty is duty."
"My duty is with my ship," I said quickly. "Besides, it is the post of danger—and of honour. Think of Thursday night!"
"Do you honestly think you are essential to the success of a torpedo attack?"
"Every officer will be required."
"My dear Belke, you didn't answer my question. Are you essential?"'
"My dear Tiel," I replied firmly, for I was quite resolved I should not remain cooped up in this infernal house, exposed to hourly risk of being shot as a spy, while my ship was going into action, "I am sorry to seem disobliging; but I am a naval officer, and my first duty is quite clear to me."
"Pardon me for reminding you that you are at present under my orders," said he.