It's an undertaking of immense difficulty; for the wreck is wholly
disintegrated, and the gold, being the heaviest part of it, has, of
course, sunk the deepest. Dredging is useless after a certain point;
and the divers have to make excavations in the sand, and shore them
up as best they can. Every gale nullifies half their labour, and
weather like this of the last fortnight plays the mischief with the
work. Only this morning I met the overseer, who happens to be ashore
here. He was as black as thunder over prospects.'

'Well, it's a romantic speculation,' I said. 'They deserve a return
for their money.'

'I hope they'll get it,' said the commander. 'The fact is, I hold a
few shares myself.'

'Oh, I hope I haven't been asking indiscreet questions?'

'Oh, dear no; all the world knows what I've told you. But you'll
understand that one has to be reticent as to results in such a case.
It's a big stake, and the _title is none too sound._ There has been
litigation over it. Not that I worry much about my investment; for I
shan't lose much by it at the worst. But it gives one an interest in
this abominable coast. I go and see how they're getting on sometimes,
when I'm down that way.'

'It _is_ an abominable coast,' I agreed, heartily, 'though you won't
get Davies to agree.'

'It's a magnificent place for sailing,' said Davies, looking
wistfully out over the storm-speckled grey of the North Sea. He
underwent some more chaff, and the talk passed to our cruising
adventures in the Baltic and the estuaries. Von Bruening
cross-examined us with the most charming urbanity and skill. Nothing
he asked could cause us the slightest offence; and a responsive
frankness was our only possible course. So, date after date, and
incident after incident, were elicited in the most natural way. As we
talked I was astonished to find how little there was that was worth
concealing, and heartily thankful that we had decided on candour. My
fluency gave me the lead, and Davies followed me; but his own
personality was really our tower of strength. I realized that as I
watched the play of his eager features, and heard him struggle for
expression on his favourite hobby; all his pet phrases translated
crudely into the most excruciating German. He was convincing, because
he was himself.

'Are there many like you in England?' asked von Bruening once.

'Like me? Of course--lots,' said Davies.

'I wish there were more in Germany; they play at yachting