New-York tribune., 1918-03-03


l 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, l felt
certain of it, and presently something else
dark and upright loomed ahead. A mo.
ment later l had grasped Wiederman BY
the hand. He spoke but 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. Frank.
ly, had dreaded it a little, but it had to
be faced and got over.
Il am not coming aboard tonight. sir.p
l replied.
He turned and stared at me.
"Haven't you settled anything?' he de.
manded.
"something,' said, "but there is more
to be Gone
| 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 sat.
istied with my own performance there
could be no doubt. He shook me warmly
by the hand, and said
"Splendid, Bellse. I knew we could count
on you. It's lucky you have 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 Tie," | said Il was placed un-
der 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 arc not Idiots,
It seems to me you have been eXtraordi-
nariy lucky to have escaped detection so
far. Surely. you arc not going to risk
longer stay"
''If it is my duty. must run the risk"
"But is it your d0tv? ! an lust won
dering. Belkc. whether | can spare YOU,
with this attack coming on. and whether |
ought to override Herr TELLS orders and
take the consequences
knew his independence and rcsolu-
ton. bat Just at that moment there PASSED
before my minds eye such distinct,
sweet picture of Eileen that was fllec
with u resolution and independence even
greater than his.
Of it were not my duty, sir | said
firmly, "clearly and strongly pointed out
by Herr Tiel shoald never dream of
asking you to spare me for 4 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 run
ming such terrible risk? Remember, you
will be man lost to Germany"
have put down exactly what nc said,
though it convicts me of having departcda
little from the truth when I answered.:
yes, it will justify the risk
After all, | had confidence enough in
Tiel's abilities to feel sure that was
really justified in saying this, but | de-
termined TO press him for some details Of
his plans tomorrow.
Wiedermann stood silent for moment;
then he held out his hand and said in
sad voice:
"Goodby. But MY mind misgiNes me.
fear VIC may never meet again
That is nonsense. SIR cried as cheer
fully as l 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 setting
out along the path that by now was begin
ming to feel quite familiar. l did not even
pause to look back this time My boats
were burned, and l felt it was better to
hurry on without dwelling longer on the
parting. Besides, there was a meeting
awaiting me.
When l reached the end of the road,
found that Tiel had been spending the time
in turning the car, and now he and Eileen
stood beside it, but apparently not con-
versing
".Nll right??" he asked
"Yes." l said. Il met Wiedcrmann and
gave him all the plans
He merely nodded, and went to start the
engine. Again | was forcbly 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 anc
not his. Anyhow, | felt sngularly
strong sense of reaction, and seated myself
beside Eileen without q word. We had
gone for y little way on our homewarc
road before either of us spoke and then
1t was to exchange some quite ordinary
remark. put out my hand gently. oa'
hers was nowhere TO be found and this IN