"While this affair is being arranged only."
"But I say that I have not yet finished my arrangements."
I saw that I was in something of a dilemma, for indeed it was difficult to say exactly how my injunctions met the case.
"Well," I said, "I shall tell you what I shall do. I shall put it to my superior officer, Commander Wiedermann, and ask him whether he desires me to absent myself any longer."
This was a happy inspiration, for I felt certain what Wiedermann would say.
"Then I shall not know till to-morrow night whether to count on you—and then I shall very probably lose you?"
I shrugged my shoulders, but said nothing. Suddenly his face cleared.
"My dear fellow," he said, "I won't press you. Rejoin your ship if you think it your duty."
By mutual consent we changed the subject, and discussed the question of submarines versus surface ships, a subject in which Tiel showed both interest and acumen, though I had naturally more knowledge, and could contribute much from my own personal experience. I must add that it is a pleasure to discuss such matters with him, for he has a frank and genuine respect for those who really understand what they are talking about.
Towards evening I went back to my room, and fell to writing this narrative again, but about ten o'clock I had another visit from Tiel; and again he disconcerted me, though not so seriously this time.