"Thank you," replied Captain Restronguet, then addressing his men he ordered them to leave his cabin.
"We can talk more freely now," he continued affably. "Pray take a seat. The accommodation in this small cabin of mine does not compare with a ward-room or the gun-room of one of His Majesty's battleships, but still I think you will find that chair comfortable."
Hythe sat down. The chair was comfortable enough, but he felt remarkably uncomfortable in spite of the fact that the captain's affability sounded perfectly sincere.
"Do you smoke? Yes? Well, try one of these cigars. I can guarantee them as pure Sumatran."
The sub controlled his amazement with an effort. He had never before heard of smoking in a submarine.
Mechanically he took the proffered cigar, lit it, and waited for the captain to resume the conversation. For his part he was anxious to know what the latter's intentions were regarding his unexpected guest, but something compelled him to await a favourable opportunity.
Captain Restronguet eyed his captive for some moments in silence, then:--
"I am sorry to have to refer to your regrettable failure to take possession of the 'Aphrodite'--that being the name of this craft--but at present the opportunity has not arrived for me to relinquish my command. Perhaps some day----"
The captain paused meditatively. Hythe could see his thick bushy eyebrows narrow till they formed one continuous line.
"Under the circumstances I am compelled to retain you on board for an indefinite time. I trust that you will make yourself as comfortable as you can, and that the wonders of this craft--for wonders they are, although I myself say it--will be sufficiently interesting to prevent ennui."