Ruxton had no alternative.
"We had a talk—he and I. The result? He was given an alternative. The hangman's rope here ashore, or half an hour's freedom of the submersible's deck."
Vita nodded. She understood.
"And he chose?"
"The deck. You see he was a royal prince."
"Yes."
Neither seemed inclined to break the silence that followed. Each was thinking of the scenes which must have been enacted. Ruxton, as he had witnessed them. Vita, as her imagination portrayed them.
Finally it was Vita who spoke in a whisper that became almost startling.
"The others—the crew of the boat?"
"They have been all sent back to Germany—via Holland. They were all held here till the wounded had recovered. Then they went away together."