“‘Ardly systematic,” said Bert. “I—”
The Prince silenced him by a gesture.
“And it is within the power of his Highness to dispose of you as a spy.”
“‘Ere!—I came to sell—”
“Ssh!” said one of the officers.
“However, in consideration of the happy chance that mate you the instrument unter Gott of this Pooterage flying-machine reaching his Highness’s hand, you haf been spared. Yes,—you were the pearer of goot tidings. You will be allowed to remain on this ship until it is convenient to dispose of you. Do you understandt?”
“We will bring him,” said the Prince, and added terribly with a terrible glare, “als Ballast.”
“You are to come with us,” said Winterfeld, “as pallast. Do you understandt?”
Bert opened his mouth to ask about the five hundred pounds, and then a saving gleam of wisdom s
