"Evidence? My own eyes," explained von Loringhoven, laughing unpleasantly. "If you are such a fool as to go close under the stern of the ship I happened to be on—it was the British tramp 'Andromeda,' if that information interests you—it is not at all to be wondered at that I saw the Greek flag flying from your pirate craft?"
"It is permissible in the circumstances," said the sub shortly. "Germany has done the same thing times without number. Providing the hostile vessel under false colours replaces them by his own before opening fire it is a legitimate ruse de guerre. I think, however, that there is no justification of the conduct of certain of your submarines. I personally witnessed one engaged in shelling unarmed men in open boats."
"Oh!" sneered von Loringhoven. "Did you? Are you sure it was a German submarine?"
"She showed no number," replied the sub.
Von Loringhoven shrugged his shoulders.
"Even if she were," he continued, "you ought to recognise by this time that as far as Germany is concerned might is right. We do not admit of any outside interference in the conduct of the war, otherwise where should we be? If you English are such fools as to play at making war, allow yourselves to be hoodwinked by your statesmen who attribute every one of your numerous set-backs to the mysterious working of Providence—you know perfectly well that the words, 'Adverse weather conditions,' appear in almost every official report—that is to Germany's advantage. But to return to business. You are a pirate. As such you richly deserve to be shot without further delay, but we have motives for sparing your life, although I don't envy your lot."
The German spoke with rising temper. For some cause that the sub could not fathom he was venting his wrath upon the prisoner.
"From this time forward," resumed von Loringhoven, "you are dead as far as your friends are concerned. I need hardly inform you that Germany does not report the names of all prisoners in her hands. How do you like the prospect of toiling in mines until you die? Not pleasant, eh? There is one way of evading the punishment, however. Of that you will hear more later. Meanwhile I would advise you to give all the information we demand, without any attempt to deceive us, for you will assuredly be found out."
"In other words," exclaimed the sub, "you want me to be a traitor to my country. I'll see you to blazes first."
"The interview is at an end," declared von Loringhoven, in cold, measured tones, that had a sinister ring in their delivery. "For what you are to undergo you have only yourself to blame."