Interruptions were numerous, and although they were treated courteously, in the main, it was only after rigid questioning and a thorough examination that they were permitted to proceed.

A full hour was consumed at the harbor at Ostend before they could even land.
As they stepped upon the wharf a group of German soldiers met them and now Captain Carg became the spokesman of the party.

The young officer in command removed his helmet to bow deferentially to Patsy and then turned to ask their business at Ostend.
"He says we must go before the military governor," said Carg, translating.

"There, if our papers are regular, permits will be issued for us to proceed to Charleroi." They left the sailor in charge of the launch, which was well provisioned and contained a convertible bunk, and followed the officer into the town.

Ostend is a large city, fortified, and was formerly one of the most important ports on the North Sea, as well as a summer resort of prominence.