"We'll get aboard before we talk," said he.
The difficult moment had come. Frankly, I had dreaded it a little, but it had to be faced and got over.
"I am not coming aboard to-night, sir," I replied.
He turned and stared at me.
"Haven't you settled anything?" he demanded.
"Something," I said, "but there is more to be done."
I 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 satisfied with my own performance, there could be no doubt. He shook me warmly by the hand and said—
"Splendid, Belke! I knew we could count on you! It's lucky you have a 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 Tiel," I said. "I was placed under 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 are not idiots! It seems to me you have been extraordinarily lucky to have escaped detection so far. Surely you are not going to risk a longer stay?"