"She's not there by chance, Excellency," he said warningly, in the deep guttural of the Teutonic language.
For some moments the other made no reply. His eyes were upon the men at work. The boat was launched, and the engine was being started.
"No," he said at last. Then his eyes came sharply to the other's face. "You have had to take big chances in your time. You've got to take a greater chance now. This is not war."
"No, Excellency. This is peace." The man laughed deep-throatedly.
"That is why the warship does not matter. She will not break the peace, and we are beyond the home-water limit. We are free to do as we please."
"And yet she is watching us. It interests me what she intends. These British naval men are a different race from those ashore. They will do as they think, in spite of—peace."
"Yes." There was a speculative look in the stone-grey eyes.
Finally he gave his whole attention to the men on the deck. He seemed to have put all speculation aside.
"Von Hertzwohl's submersible will soon be along now. We shall see her lights. She will carry lights. She must do so for the shore boat. You have your orders."
"Yes, Excellency. When you have left in this boat the other will be prepared. I shall take a party and board Hertzwohl's vessel, and make myself master of it. Meanwhile, this vessel will lie off with lights out, standing by in case of accidents to pick you up. If all goes well you will return from shore and come aboard Von Hertzwohl's vessel. Instantly she will submerge and lay a course for Heligoland Bight. It is clear, and should be simple."