“Yes,” replied Dalroy.
The torch was switched off. Dalroy’s eyes were momentarily blinded by the glare, but he heard an ugly chuckle.
“Where is the female prisoner?” said Von Halwig, with a formality that was as perplexing as his subdued manner.
“Here, Herr Hauptmann.”
The two entered the barn. So far as Dalroy could judge, no word was spoken. The torch flared again, remained lighted a full half-minute, and was extinguished.
Von Halwig reappeared, seemed to ponder matters, and turned to the corporal.
“Put the woman in my car,” he said. “Fall in your men, and be ready to escort me back to the village. You’ve done a good day’s work, corporal.”
“Two men have gone in pursuit of Jan Maertz, sir.”
“Never mind. They’ll have sense enough to come on to headquarters if they catch him. How is this Englishman secured?”