“What ship are you from?” he asked Captain Foster.
“The Princess Mary, freighter, from Batum to Venice,” was the reply.
“Were you wrecked in the storm?”
“No, we struck a mine early this morning.”
“And these young men?”
“They are Americans who were returning home from Russia, and I was helping them out.”
“Well, captain,” said the lieutenant, “I shall be obliged to detain you and your men. I will turn you over to the commandant at Pola. But I will see that these young Americans are sent on by rail. If you have money to get to Genoa,” he continued, turning to Sidney, “you will find ships that will take you to England, and from there you can easily get home.”
“I think we have money enough for that,” replied Sidney, “and we shall never forget what you have done for us.”
“I have done only my duty,” replied the officer as he turned away.
“It distresses me, Captain Foster,” said Sidney when they were alone, “to leave you a prisoner.”