"But I do not understand all this! How should a German agent be a British officer? My Government knew all about Tiel—I was told to be under his orders—it is impossible you can be he!"
Blacklock turned to the other two.
"I almost think I owe Mr Belke an explanation," he said with a smile.
"Yes," cried Eileen eagerly, "do tell him, and then—then he will understand a little better."
Blacklock filled a pipe and leaned his back against the fireplace, a curious mixture of clergyman in his attire and keen professional sailor in his voice and bearing, now that all need for pretence was gone.
"The story I told you of the impersonation and attempted murder of Mr Alexander Burnett," he began, "was simply a repetition of the tale told me by Adolph Tiel at Inverness—where, by the way, he was arrested."
Von Belke started violently.
"So!" he cried. "Then—then you never were Tiel?"
"I am thankful to say I never was, for a more complete scoundrel never existed. He and his friend Schumann actually did knock Mr Burnett on the head, tie a stone to his feet, and pitch him over the cliff. Unfortunately for them, they made a bad job of the knot and the stone came loose. In consequence, Mr Burnett floated long enough to be picked up by a patrol boat, which had seen the whole performance outlined against the sky at the top of the cliff above her. By the time they had brought him back to a certain base, Mr Burnett had revived and was able to tell of his adventure. The affair being in my line, was put into my hands, and it didn't take long to see what the rascals' game was."
"No," commented Phipps; "I suppose you spotted that pretty quick."