But the captain hastened to explain further.
Because the _Mare Nostrum_ belonged to a neutral country, it could not be sold to one of the belligerent nations while hostilities lasted.
Because of this, he had transferred it in a way that would not make it necessary to change the flag.

Although no longer its owner, he would stay on board as its captain, and the ship would continue to be Spanish the same as before.
"And why must I go away ?" asked Toni in a tremulous tone, believing himself overlooked.
"We are going to sail armed," replied Ulysses energetically.

"I have made the sale on that account more than for the money.

We are going to carry a quickfirer at the stern, wireless installation, a crew of men from the naval reserves,--everything necessary to defend ourselves.

We shall make our voyages without hunting for the enemy, carrying freight as before; but if the enemy comes out to attack us, it will find some one who will answer." He was ready to die, if that was to be his fate, but attacking whoever attacked him.
"And may I not go, too ?" persisted the pilot.
"No; back of you there is a family that needs you.