“Yes, all our Englishmen were sent home. Mr. Baumgartner said that Germans were cheaper and more obedient.”
“What was your opinion of the new crew?”
“I didn’t like them at first, as I had to bother my wits in talking German if I wished to speak to any of them, but they are a very superior set of men.”
“You carry a good many hands for a small vessel?”
“Well, yes. Even I thought that.”
“Did you ship a large quantity of heavy stores at Hamburg?”
“I don’t know. We were in a hotel there five or six days, and never visited the yacht during that time.”
“Of course, Miss Dane, if you should be asked why I called, we are old friends, eh? I hope I may claim that privilege apart from other considerations?”
“You have been most kind, Captain Mortimer. I cannot tell you what a load of care you have taken from me. Now, I must go to the ballroom and see that none of those romantic Spaniards has run off with my charge.”
“Who is that?” he inquired.