etection so far. Surely you are not going to
risk a longer stay?"

"If it is my duty I must run the risk."

"But is it your duty? I am just wondering, Belke, whether I can spare
you, with this attack coming on, and whether I ought to override Herr
Tiel's orders and damn the consequences!"

I knew his independence and resolution, but just at that moment there
passed before my mind's eye such a distinct, sweet picture of Eileen,
that I was filled with a resolution and independence even greater than
his.

"If it were not my duty, sir," I said firmly, "clearly and strongly
pointed out by Herr Tiel, I should never dream of asking you to spare
me for a little longer."

"He was then very clear and strong on the question?"

"Extremely."

"And this other scheme of his--do you feel yourself that it is feasible
enough to justify you in leaving your ship and running such a terrible
risk? Remember, you will be a man lost to Germany!"

I have put down exactly what he said, though it convicts me of having
departed a little from the truth when I answered--

"Yes, it will justify the risk."

After all, I had confidence enough in Tiel's abilities to feel sure
that I was really justified in saying this; but I determined to press
him for some details of his plans to-morrow.

Wiedermann stood silent for a moment; then he held out his hand and
said in a sad voice--

"Good-bye! But my mind misgives me. I fear we may never meet again."

"That is nonsense, sir!" I cried as cheerfully as I could. "We shall
meet again very soon. And if you wish something to cheer you, just
study those plans!"

And so we parted, he descending the bank without another word, and I
setting out along the path that by now was beginning to feel quite
familiar. I did not even pause to look back this time. My boats were
burnt and I felt it was better to hurry on without dwelling longer on
the parting. Besides, there was a meeting awaiting me.

When I reached the end of the road, I found that Tiel had been spending
the time in turning the car, and now he and Eileen stood beside it, but
apparently not conversing.

"All right?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "I met Wiedermann and gave him all the plans."

He merely nodded and went to start the engine. Again I was forcibly
reminded of my old captain, and the way in which he became calmer and
more silent than ever the moment the crisis was passed. But surely
this crisis had been mine and not his