I consequently informed them that, in spite of their official capacity, I had no intention of detaining them as prisoners on the _Moewe_. (The fact that, had I done so, they would have been very much in our way, I, of course, kept to myself.) I clearly saw that both these gentlemen of high standing had expected a very different fate, for their expression brightened at my words. They passed a night on the _Moewe_ and were conducted back to the _Appam_ the following morning, after breakfast, with instructions to tell their fellow-passengers that the _Appam_ would eventually be brought into a certain port under German command. Every passenger could keep his belongings, but every eligible man had to sign an undertaking not to bear arms in this war against Germany or her allies. So long as the orders of the German officer in charge were obeyed, everyone would be well treated, and everything would be done to ensure the safety of the ship. At the slightest sign of opposition or insubordination, however, the vessel would be blown up. The _Appam_ remained with us for the time being, as the stocktaking of the coal and provisions lasted a considerable time. The ex-captain had originally informed us that his ship was only provided for another five days. After some persuasion, he admitted that there was sufficient fuel and food to last double that time. Consequently, the ship could be taken to the United States of America, the only country where we could berth our prize. VIII--STORY OF THE FIGHT WITH THE "CLAN McTAVISH" The following afternoon a cloud of smoke appeared on the horizon. At closer quarters, we recognized a fast steamer, provided with wireless, but without high superstructures. We therefore jumped to the conclusion that the vessel was an important cargo-boat. It was already quite dark when we overtook her, and I made use of the Morse lamp to ask for her name. Her answer came promptly: "First tell us yours." One name is as good as another, so I deemed it advisable to usurp that of the sunk steamer _Author_. After some hesitation, the stranger signalled with the Morse lamp: "_Clan McTavish_." Delighted to be again dealing with an "Engländer," I ordered, without losing a second: "Clear for battle to starboard." The guns took aim, and I shouted: "This is a German cruiser. Stop at once!" "We have stopped," came the answer, but, though four hundred yards divided us, we heard them working with all their might to set their ship in motion. I fired a shot, whereupon I was told that the enemy vessel was using her wireless. Without wasting another second, I gave the order to aim at the wireless, and the first shell silenced it. Almost immediately, a streak of light pierced the darkness and something hissed over our heads. At first I thought I had made a mistake, but as a shell dropped into the water quite close to the _Moewe_, there could be no doubt that the Engländer intended to put up a fight.