you are both very inquisitive.
Inquisitiveness is a bad trait in ones so young. You see, it has got
you into trouble. The doctor has strong reasons for getting me to take
care of you for some considerable time, so you will have an opportunity
of seeing how we Germans make war. No half-measures, mark you. It is
useless to make war with a velvet glove. You English people call us
pirates, I believe?"

"It certainly looks like piracy when German submarines sink harmless
merchantmen without warning," declared Vernon.

"For my part I have never sent a merchant vessel to the bottom without
warning," said Schwalbe. "As a seaman I regret having to sink any ship
of commerce. As an officer of the German Navy I have to obey orders
unquestionably. Nevertheless I have always given the crews of British
ships a chance of escape, and have never sunk any vessel until the men
are safely in the boats, unless she attempts to show fight or to run
away."

"Would you blame a skipper for trying to save his ship?" asked Ross.

"You do not understand," exclaimed Schwalbe. "We are at war. A
blockade has been declared upon the British Islands. If, after full
warning, merchantmen persist in taking the risk, it is their look-out,
not mine. However, to return to a more personal matter: having been
saddled with you, I must endure your presence. You will be well fed,
as far as the resources at our command will allow. You will be free to
go wherever you wish on board, with the exception of the conning-tower,
motor- and torpedo-rooms. I am not ungrateful, for my brother, who had
the misfortune to be in the _Ariadne_, was captured by your fleet. He
is being well treated somewhere in England. Hence I give privileges to
the son of Admiral Trefusis and the son of Commander Haye so long as
they are my compulsory guests. But bear in mind: you will be watched.
Should you commit any fault, however slight, you will pay dearly for
it. If you are foolish enough to attempt any act of treachery, death
will be the penalty. Have I made myself perfectly clear?"

"Yes, sir," replied both lads.

"Very well. Is there anything you would like me to do within the
bounds of reason?"

"Could we communicate with our parents?" asked Ross.

"No," replied Schwalbe decisively. "There are strong objections. And,
while I am on the subject, should you fall in with the crews of
destroyed ships you are strictly forbidden to communicate with them
either by