"No, no!" interrupted the skipper of the Angiboo. "We don't want the dramatic touch on board this craft. I'll send for the master of the Koning der Zee, and get him to% bring Herr von Feldoffer to me. We'll do the job as politely as possible."
Just at that moment the rest of the destroyer flotilla was sighted, bearing south-south-west. Until the Angiboo resumed station her lieutenant-commander dared not leave the bridge.
"Now," he resumed, "you make your way aft, and keep out of sight until I call you. I'll interview friend Feldoffer on the quarter-deck. Messenger, pass the word for the master of the Dutchman to see me in the ward-room."
Malcolm followed the bluejacket down the ladder. Then, with every precaution, he made his way aft as far as the after funnel. From this position he was within hailing distance of the diminutive quarter-deck.
Presently the messenger returned to the bridge and made his report. Lieutenant-Commander Sefton descended and proceeded to the officers' quarters aft.
While the Dutch skipper was searching for the passenger, von Feldoffer was anxiously keeping an eye on the bridge, fearful lest any of the officers were shipmates with him on the armed merchant-cruiser. He saw Malcolm ascend the bridge, but, the latter being in mufti and having his back turned towards him, von Feldoffer did not recognize the New Zealander. But when Malcolm came down the ladder the astute Hun made the discovery that he was in a very tight corner.
Deliberating with himself, the spy decided to "mark time" until events shaped themselves. It was a pure coincidence that the New Zealander and he were on the same boat; it might be that the latter's visit to the bridge was utterly unconnected with him. He hoped so; but still, things looked black.
A hand tapped him on the shoulder. Von Feldoffer started violently, and, turning, found the master of the Koning der Zee confronting him.
"I startled you, Mynheer van Gheel," remarked the Dutch skipper, addressing the spy by the name he had assumed before leaving Holland. "The English captain wishes to see you in his cabin."
"For what purpose, Mynheer?" enquired von Feldoffer uneasily.