He spoke in the tone a benevolent uncle might have used towards a small boy.
"Yes, your people have found it awkward," said Tom, smoothly.
"You take me too literally, Mr. Willoughby. But youth is often adventurous, and thoughtless; you do not quite realise the consequences of your rash actions. It is a pity that a private quarrel should have led you to take steps which bring you into conflict with the military power. The outbreak of war, of course, made you a public enemy; but if you had not been in such haste to pay off old scores it would have been easy to arrange for your departure into British territory."
"I assure you, Major, what you call a private quarrel had nothing whatever to do with my action. We will leave my private affairs out of the question. As you say, I became a public enemy. Well?"
"You do not understand, perhaps, that we should be justified in treating you as a spy." The major's tone was not quite so friendly now.
"I don't understand what you are driving at," said Tom, bluntly. "Hadn't you better come to the point?"
A flicker of annoyance passed over the German's face. It vanished instantly, and when he spoke again it was in the suave tones he had employed at the beginning of the interview.
"I come to make a reasonable--a friendly arrangement. There are certain Germans, I believe, in your hands. I am not sure whether----"
"To save time--I have a sergeant, two privates, and Mr. Reinecke."
"Ah! And also certain askaris----"