from Tiel's point of view,
what was critical about this moment? The risk he ran at this hour in
such an isolated spot was almost negligible, and as to the other
circumstances, did it matter much to him whether I stayed or changed my
mind and went away? I could scarcely believe it.

I kept along by the side of the sandy track, just as I had done before,
only this time I did not lose it. The rolling hummocky links were a
little darker, but the stars shone in myriads, bright and clear as a
winter's night, and I could see my way well enough. As I advanced, I
smelt the same pungent seaweed odour, and heard the same gulls crying,
disturbed (I hoped) by the same monster in the waters. Fortunately the
storm had blown from the south-east, and the sea in this
westward-facing bay heaved quietly, reflecting the radiance of the
stars. It was another perfect night for our purpose.

I reached the shore and turned to the left along the rising
circumference of the bay, looking hard into the night as I went.
Something dark lay on the water, I felt certain of it, and presently
something else dark and upright loomed ahead. A moment later I had
grasped Wiedermann by the hand. He spoke but a word of cordial
greeting, and then turned to descend to the boat.

"We'll get aboard before we talk," said he.

The difficult moment had come. Frankly, I had dreaded it a little, but
it had to be faced and got over.

"I am not coming aboard to-night, sir," I replied.

He turned and stared at me.

"Haven't you settled anything?" he demanded.

"Something," I said, "but there is more to be done."

I told him then concisely and clearly what we had arranged, and handed
him the chart and all my notes. That he was honestly delighted with my
news, and satisfied with my own performance, there could be no doubt.
He shook me warmly by the hand and said--

"Splendid, Belke! I knew we could count on you! It's lucky you have a
chest broad enough to hold all your decorations! For you will get
them--never doubt it. But what is all this about staying on shore?
What else are you needed for? And who the devil has given you such
orders?"

"Herr Tiel," I said. "I was placed under his orders, as you will
remember, sir."

"But what does he want you for? And how long does he imagine the
British are going to let you stay in this house of yours unsuspected?
They are not idiots! It seems to me you have been extraordinarily
lucky to have escaped d