"Make it copper, Prince," smiled Ruxton.
"Ha! Yes, copper. It is very necessary in war time." The Prince smiled in appreciation. Then he pointed ahead. "But see, Ludovic is right."
He was indicating a dark object moving towards them on the water out of the gloomy shadows of the rocky sentries of the narrows.
"It is a patrol. Under normal conditions it would gladly pilot us through the mine-field. Now it has no such friendly desire."
His regard became less smiling, and he relapsed into silence. The dead flat water was thrown up into two great wings as the patrol boat pressed on towards them.
The excitement was more and more taking possession of the Englishman. His faith in the Polish prince was invincible.
"Shall you hear what he has to say?" he enquired presently, his breathing quickened in spite of an outward calm.
The Prince did not turn to answer, but his slight laugh was full of quiet confidence.
"Why waste time—valuable time?" he retorted whimsically. "We are in a hurry to reach the open sea. No, I do not listen to the Captain-General's commands to me. He is my subordinate." Then he added with the ingenuous subtlety of a schoolboy, "If I listened to the order to stop, and refused to obey, I should commit myself in the eyes of Berlin. No. Come below. It is time."
The patrol boat was less than four hundred yards away, and travelling at a great pace. It was almost within hailing distance. Ruxton could even count the occupants at that distance. He was certain there were six at least. The other patrol boat had contained only two officers besides the engineer. The difference was significant.