"Yes and no, General. No, because the charts by which, according to rule, we must be guided, show a channel in this place. The charts were right, too, till within the last few years. Since then there has been a great deal of silting up, and also, in consequence of the west wind which has prevailed for some weeks, the water has been constantly falling. More prudent men avoid this spot on that account. I, for my part, should have avoided it." "Good! And what do you think of our situation? Are we in danger? or are we likely to be in danger?" "I think not. The ship lies almost straight, and on smooth sand. If nothing new happens, it may lie so a long time." "The Captain is right, then, in keeping us on board?" "I think so; all the more that the wind, for the first time for days past, seems inclined to veer round to the east, and if that happens, we have good grounds for supposing that we shall be afloat again in a few hours. However----" "However?" "Man is liable to error, General. If the wind--it is south-east now; the thing is not likely, but it is possible--if the wind should get round to the west again, and blow harder, perhaps very hard, then there might be serious danger." "We ought, then, to take advantage of the Captain's permission to leave the ship?" "As the passage would be easy, and perfectly safe, I cannot at any rate advise against it; but then it should be done while there is still sufficient daylight: it would be best immediately." "And you? You would remain--of course?" "Of course, General." "Thank you." The General touched his cap with a slight bend of the head. Reinhold lifted his for a moment, returning the movement with a stiff bow. "Well?" asked Elsa, as her father came back to her. "The man must have been a soldier," answered the General. "Why so?" asked the President. "I wish I could always get such clear, explicit reports from my officers. The case stands thus." He repeated what he had just heard from Reinhold, and wound up by saying that he would speak to the Captain about the immediate disembarkation of such passengers as wished it. "For my part, I do not intend to put myself to such inconvenience, which may be unnecessary too, unless Elsa----" "I, papa!" cried Elsa, "I should not think of such a thing."