H. M. S. WYVERN
"Well," said Guild coolly, "have you any idea what a casual British cruiser might want of me?"
"I have not," said the officer, "so perhaps you had better tell me what is wanted of yourself and your wife by the captain of that warship. It might save some argument between him and our own captain. We are due in Amsterdam at noon tomorrow," he added meaningly.
"Do you mean to say that the officer in command of this British ship desires to speak to my wife?"
"His signals stopped us and his wireless told us to detain you and your wife."
"What ship is it?" demanded the young man, so nervous now that he scarcely knew what he was saying.
The Dutch officer remained icy and precise: "The ship is the light cruiser Wyvern, of the 'Monster' class. Her consorts yonder are the Hippogriff and Basalisk—if this information enlightens you, Mr. Guild."
"It does not. But I know this much: You can't detain an American! Neither can that British captain take a neutral from a neutral ship! And that settles the matter."
"Be good enough to come on deck," said the Hollander in his correct and fluent English. "The captain desires to speak with you."
"Very well. I'll follow you in a moment"—and turning to Karen: "Dearest, are you awake?"