In the first place I wonder what has become of Lieutenant Davon and the crew of the Sword. Did those brave Englishmen perish in the collision? Are they safe and sound like us—for I suppose that Thomas Roch has also survived?
The first question that Engineer Serko puts to me is this:
“Will you explain to me what happened, Mr. Hart?”
Instead of replying it occurs to me to question him myself.
“And Thomas Roch?” I inquire.
“In good health, Mr. Hart.” Then he adds in an imperious tone: “Tell me what occurred!”
“In the first place, tell me what became of the others.”
“What others?” replies Serko, glancing at me savagely.
“Why, those men who threw themselves upon Thomas Roch and me, who gagged, bound, and carried us off and shut us up, I know not where?”
On reflection I had come to the conclusion that the best thing to do was to pretend that I had been surprised before I knew where I was or who my aggressors were.