"A statement of this kind," he said, "is ridiculous in presence of General Whiston, who knows you and recognises your handwriting in this letter." He leaned back in his chair and struck the letters that had been taken from John's pocket with the back of his hand. "These letters, taken from your person, this telegram addressed to you, and this letter conveying information to the enemy, are sufficient in themselves to identify you."
"There is nothing you wish to say, General?" asked Sir Robert of Whiston.
The General shook his head, and Sir Robert put his thumb on the bell-push at the corner of his desk.
John heard the whirr of a bell in the room beyond.
"I am prepared, sir," he said hurriedly, "to prove every word I say. My name is Manton, and I undertook to assume Treves's identity merely to please a friend who wished to help him."
"You are ready to give us the name of your friend, of course?" interposed General Whiston. He had been utterly unmoved by this statement of John's.
"His name is Gilbert, sir; Captain Gilbert, of Ryde, Isle of Wight."
General Whiston answered nothing; there was no softening in the harshness of his expression. For a moment he was silent. Then, with a glance at Sir Robert, he moved towards the door.
"Just a few minutes, Sir Robert," he said. "This is a matter easy of proof."
He passed out of the room. At the door, as he drew it open, John heard him speaking to two men outside.