“I presume that I may report to the Admirals that I delivered my message to Prince Theophanis in person?” said the naval man.
“You may, sir, and also that I protested against their saddling me with crimes of which I had not the smallest knowledge. The matter shall be looked into.”
The parties separated with bows and mutual ill-humour, the sailors ostentatiously taking turns to cover the retreat of the ambassadors for fear of treachery.
“Then the man did escape!” said Prince Romanos thoughtfully.
Maurice turned on him. “Then there was an organised attempt to leave no witnesses, and you connived at it?”
“We never give quarter to Roumis,” was the frank reply. “It is not our custom, and never has been, and if you had been born in Eastern Europe, Prince, you would understand why. They give none to us. About the sick men I don’t understand; they must have fired at us, for all the men I saw killed were armed.”
“And the killing of the wounded—you saw that?”
“No; I told the men to make all safe, while I secured the flag. When I came down from the roof they told me they were afraid one man had escaped, and we searched everywhere, but could not find him.”
“Then the wounded were killed?” said Maurice.
“Of course. But it was not as if their wounds were slight,” said Prince Romanos eagerly. “They would have died in any case.”