s as one takes it. In the matter of birth, I am in that painful
situation which is the inheritance of all children born out of wedlock.
My mother was a Spanish dancer, my father is the wealthy Amelungen. He
is fond of me and provides for me. It was he who bought the business in
Breskens for me. But his wife, who is English, has no liking for me."

"I understand you even less than before. If you have such resources at
your disposal, why on earth do you mix yourself up in such dangerous
undertakings?"

"Herr Amelungen wished it."

"So, then, he really is the guilty party?"

"For God's sake, Herr major, you won't abuse my confidence. I should
never forgive myself if anything I said were to harm Herr Amelungen."

"Do not be unnecessarily anxious. Nothing will happen either to you or
to Herr Amelungen, if you can induce him to change sides and help us for
the future instead of the English."

Penurot hung down his head and remained silent.

"And how about Herr van Spranekhuizen in Rotterdam?" continued Heideck.
"Of course he belongs to the league."

"He is my father's brother-in-law. His wife is an Amelungen."

"And what is the real reason why these two gentlemen, who I hear are
wealthy merchants, have undertaken to act as spies for England?"

"Oh, there is nothing so wonderful in that, Herr major. France has
occupied Belgium, Germany the Netherlands. Of course they are very
bitter about it."

"That may be. But well-to-do merchants are not in the habit of risking
their lives out of pure patriotism in such circumstances. As a rule,
only those people do that who have little to lose."

"I have already told you that my father's wife is English. For love of
her he does a great deal which certainly nothing else would induce him
to do."

At this moment Heideck, being informed that the pinnace was ready,
requested Penurot to accompany him on board. In the harbour of Flushing
he took leave of him for a while, with instructions to call upon him in
an hour at his office, having told him exactly where it was. He had no
fear that Penurot would attempt flight. He felt absolutely sure of this
gentleman.

XXVII

EBERHARD AMELUNGEN

On arriving at his office close to the Duke of Wellington Hotel, Heideck
found his staff extremely busy. One lieutenant was looking through the
French and German newspapers for important information; another was
studying the Russian and English journals. The last were few in number
and