on. What do you want, Elsa?"
Elsa had looked at him meaningly. He went up to her and repeated his question.
"Ask that gentleman," said Elsa.
"What gentleman?"
"That one there; he is a sailor, he can certainly advise you best."
The General fixed his sharp eyes upon the person designated.
"Ah, that man," said he. "He really does look as if he might----"
"Does not he?" said Elsa. "And he told me before that we should run aground."
"Of course he does not belong to the ship?"
"Oh no--at least, I think--but speak to him yourself."
The General went up to the "Indefatigable."
"I am told, sir, that you are a sailor."
"I am."
"Navigating officer?"
"Merchant captain: Reinhold Schmidt."
"My name is General von Werben. I should be much obliged to you, sir, if you would give me your opinion, as a sailor, upon our situation; of course in strict confidence. I should be sorry to ask you to give evidence against a comrade,
