Presently Fielding and Cardyke were somewhat astonished to hear an English voice exclaim, "Don't shoot, sir. I've got to say a few words with you."
In reply Fielding opened one of the lids to the observation-holes in the conning-tower, and saw a broad-shouldered, black-browed man with a close torpedo beard that characterises the British tar who neglects to shave. The fellow looked sheepish and thoroughly ashamed of his position.
"Who are you?" demanded the sub.
"I was a petty officer in the navy, sir."
"Then you ought to be downright ashamed of yourself."
"I ain't here to talk about myself," replied the man, sullenly. "The cap'n wants me to explain, in a manner o' speakin', 'ow the land lies. We're out to make a bit, an' up to now we ain't done so badly. 'Respect life' is our motto, an' you are doin' your level best to capsize us. So come out an' lay down your arms. You'll be treated decently so long as things go all shipshape. An' when the cruise is over, and we're paid off, you'll be set ashore safe an' sound."
"You realise that your presence in the conning-tower somewhat upsets your arrangements?"
"Not exactly," replied the man, with a cunning leer. "But, you see, it isn't 'conducive to efficiency,' as our 'first luff' aboard the old Belleisle told me 'cause I wore the second 'L' on my cap-ribbon over my left eye, instead of over my nose. But that ain't 'ere or there; so make the best of a bad job and don't give no trouble."
"I'll give you trouble, my man, if ever I get you on board a King's ship," replied the sub., with asperity. "Tell that scoundrel of a pirate that if he wants the conning-tower he'll have to turn us out—and he'll have a fine old job."
With that Fielding reclosed the shutter and a tense silence fell upon both parties, broken only by the hiss of the foam as the battle-cruiser pounded against a head sea.