Page:Barbour--For the freedom from the seas.djvu/71

 He turned then to the prisoners. "You will march to the ladder, one at a time, and wait outside. There is no use trying to escape, for a patrol boat is lying off the beach. Besides, you will be shot instantly the moment you make a break. Lieutenant Haegel, you first, please."

The man started at the sound of his name and two white disks appeared at his cheek-bones. But he bowed, smiled ironically and asked: "I may lower my hands, I presume?"

"Yes. Go first, Staples. Now, then"

Outside, Nelson, suddenly feeling faint, sat on the sand and tried to keep the trees from swaying. He saw Staples emerge, and then the German addressed as Lieutenant Haegel, but no others, for just then he toppled quietly over on the ground.