"My dear Tiel," I replied firmly, for I was quite resolved I should not remain cooped up in this infernal house, exposed to hourly risk of being shot as a spy, while my ship was going into action, "I am sorry to seem disobliging; but I am a naval officer, and my first duty is quite clear to me." "Pardon me for reminding you that you are at present under my orders," said he. "While this affair is being arranged only." "But I say that I have not yet finished my arrangements." I saw that I was in something of a dilemma, for indeed it was difficult to say exactly how my injunctions met the case. "Well," I said, "I shall tell you what I shall do. I shall put it to my superior officer, Commander Wiedermann, and ask him whether he desires me to absent myself any longer." This was a happy inspiration, for I felt certain what Wiedermann would say. "Then I shall not know till to-morrow night whether to count on you--and then I shall very probably lose you?" I shrugged my shoulders, but said nothing. Suddenly his face cleared. "My dear fellow," he said, "I won't press you. Rejoin your ship if you think it your duty." By mutual consent we changed the subject, and discussed the question of submarines _versus_ surface ships, a subject in which Tiel showed both interest and acumen, though I had naturally more knowledge, and could contribute much from my own personal experience. I must add that it is a pleasure to discuss such matters with him, for he has a frank and genuine respect for those who really understand what they are talking about. Towards evening I went back to my room, and fell to writing this narrative again, but about ten o'clock I had another visit from Tiel; and again he disconcerted me, though not so seriously this time. "I had a message from Ashington, asking to see me," he explained, "and I have just returned from a meeting with him. He tells me that the date of the fleet's sailing will probably be altered to Friday, but he will let me know definitely to-morrow or Tuesday." "Or Tuesday!" I exclaimed. "Then I may have to stay here for another night!" "I'm sorry," said he, "but I'm afraid it can't be helped." "But can we ever be sure that the fleet will keep to a programme? I have just been thinking it over, and the question struck me--why are they making this arrangement so far ahead?" "That struck me too," said Tiel, "and also Ashington. But he has found out now. There is some big scheme on. Some think it is Heligoland, and some think the Baltic. Anyhow, there is a definite programme, and they will certainly keep to it. The only uncertain thing is the actual day of sailing." "It is a plan which will be nicely upset if we get our torpedoes into three or four of their super-dreadnoughts!" I exclaimed. He nodded grimly. "And for that, we want to have the timing exact" he said. "Be patient, my friend; we shall know by Tuesday morning at the latest."