"There will be a greater yell than ever about German atrocities," laughed one of the men. "After all, it does seem a devilish thing to attack passenger vessels."
"What has that to do with us? We must obey orders."
"But what good will it do?"
"God in heaven knows, I don't. I suppose the idea is to frighten the people, so that they will sue for peace."
"The English are not to be frightened that way; besides, it won't even touch the British Navy. They are masters on the sea, whatever we may do."
Their voices seemed to become dimmer and dimmer; they still went on talking, but I heard nothing distinctly after that. Indeed, the things by which I was surrounded, which had at first been comparatively clear, now became indistinct and unreal. I felt as though I were losing consciousness, and then everything became dark.
The next thing I can remember was opening my eyes to see Simpson standing by my bed.
"Anything the matter, Simpson?" I inquired.
"No, sir, except that it is ten o'clock, and I didn't know what time you meant to get up, sir."
"Not for a long time yet, Simpson; I am very sleepy and very tired."