“And how is he connected with Penurot?”
“I don’t know. Penurot is an agent who does all kinds of business.”
“Oh! and what does the owner, Mynheer van Spranekhuizen, say to your having anything to do with such things as the conveyance of these loaves?”
“Mynheer van Spranekhuizen and Mynheer Amelungen are near relations.”
“In other words, these two gentlemen have agreed to send the Bressay from the Shetlands to Dover, and from Dover to Antwerp.”
“I know nothing about that, Herr major. I have told you everything I know. No vessel can go further up the Schelde than Ternenzen, and I can unload at Breskens just as well as at Ternenzen and send the goods by rail to Antwerp.”
“Now, Brandelaar, go upstairs again and send M. Penurot down to me.”
With heavy tread the skipper mounted the narrow ladder, and almost at once Penurot entered. Heideck, with a wave of his hand, invited him to sit down opposite and began to speak.
“From what I have seen of Brandelaar I am convinced that he is an arrant rascal. It was very imprudent on your part to have anything to do with a man like that. If you are brought before a court-martial, you have him to thank for it.”
“For God’s sake, Herr major—my life isn’t in danger? I implore you, have pity on me!”