"Luckner," I thought, "you always have to fight, or you sink. That's life."
The Emperor had been very kind to the man who had risen from a common sailor to a naval officer. He had paid for my naval training out of his own private purse, and had taken a personal interest in my promotions. Many a time on board ship he had commanded me to tell stories of my adventures. I could talk to him. I could talk to him more boldly than other officers dared. I knew that he understood me.
Even to appear in the Imperial presence was a trying ordeal for most officers. Many took refuge in rigid "attention." Well, I had never quite got used to high class manners at sea, and the ramrod "attention" left me more embarrassed than otherwise. Even in the Emperor's presence, I kept the same free, brusque manner of an old-time seaman that was natural to me.
The Kaiser spoke bluntly.
"Well, Luckner, at the Admiralty they now tell me it is madness to attempt the blockade with a sailing ship. What do you think?"
"Well, Your Majesty, if our Admiralty says it's impossible and ridiculous, then I'm sure it can be done," I replied. "For the British Admiralty will think it impossible also. They won't be on the lookout for anything so absurd as a raider disguised as a harmless old sailing ship."
The Emperor looked at me with a frown, and then his face relaxed into a smile.
"You are right, Luckner. Go ahead! And may the hand of the Almighty be at your helm."
I knew now that there would be no more official interference. The true Maleta was now due to sail in a day, so we made ready to pull up anchor. Then a wireless came from the Admiralty:
Wait till the Deutschland makes port.