‘By Jove! Davies, I forgot about that fellow at Wangeroog. The anchor might be stolen, as he says.’
Davies looked blank, but von Brüning had turned to me.
‘We never dreamed there would be thieves among these islands,’ I said, ‘but the other night I nearly caught a fellow in the act. He thought the yacht was empty.’
I described the affair in detail, and with what humour I could. Our host was amused, and apologetic for the islanders.
‘They’re excellent folk,’ he said, ‘but they’re born with predatory instincts. Their fathers made their living out of wrecks on this coast, and the children inherit a weakness for plunder. When Wangeroog lighthouse was built they petitioned the Government for compensation, in perfect good faith. The coast is well lighted now, and windfalls are rare, but the
