Then the admiral said:
"I am your uncle Fritz."
"Eh," I thought, "what a noble uncle!"
I had never heard of this relationship. I rolled my eyes right and left, not knowing whether to address the admiral as Uncle then and there.
"Your Excellency," I said, "I wish it could be arranged that my parents do not learn of my being here until I have qualified as a reserve officer."
"Very well," he answered, "but you must not expect any help from me."
Not being able to say "Uncle," I replied:
"No, sir."
"Do not in any sense think that you are under my protection."
"No, sir."