"At the island where we were sent to get water, Herr Kapitan."
"What is she doing there?" demanded von Giespert.
"She was lying at anchor in the lagoon, Herr Kapitan. All her boats were out, and they had buoys placed round a certain spot."
Von Giespert uttered a round oath.
"Did they see you?" he asked.
"No, Herr Kapitan," replied the man. "We thought it best to be prudent, so directly we sighted the vessel we rowed away and landed on the opposite side of the island. There was water there——"
"Never mind about the water," interrupted the owner of the Zug. "Is that all you saw?"
"We made our way round the island and climbed a hill overlooking the lagoon. Max had his glasses with him. They were diving for something. On the beach were tents and huts, and a pile of boxes. Early next morning we went there again, but the Englishmen were ashore playing cricket. So we did not stop, but filled up with water and set sail. The breeze fell light on our way back——"
Von Giespert asked several more questions, then curtly dismissed the man.
"Come to my cabin, Strauss," he said abruptly.