“Of what am I accused, Herr Captain?” he flung at Bob.
“I cannot tell you just now,” Bob answered. “But perhaps I can satisfy you when I have seen the others, up in the cottage there.”
Rogers had moored the boat once more at the landing-stage. Bob saw von Eckhardt’s eyes suddenly fixed on the loaded barge looming out of the shadows, though almost instantly he looked away.
“I’ll trouble you to hand over your arms, Herr von Eckhardt,” Bob said.
Von Eckhardt slowly unbuttoned his overcoat and drew out a revolver.
“This is all you have?” Bob asked, taking it.
“Yes,” said the other, flashing his arrogant glance at the young American.
“Engineer, take my revolver. It’s the regulation sort. Guard this German until I come back. I am Captain Gordon.”
“Yes, sir,” said the soldier, taking the revolver. “Please sit down opposite me,” he directed von Eckhardt, who silently complied.
Bob glanced at the German, then spoke aside to the soldier, “Don’t take your eyes off him. He’s a slippery customer. Shoot if he tries to escape.”