“Are you prepared to swear?” he demanded, sternly. “Even if you are not willing to help Germany, I scarcely suppose you are willing to have your father’s people punished through any fault or mistake of yours. I believe you are to be trusted in so far as that. Will you swear?”
“I believe you are to be trusted in so far as that.”—Page [224].
Gretel’s white lips moved, but no sound came from them. She resolutely shook her head. Mrs. Becker clasped her hands, with an exclamation of dismay.
Mr. Becker laid a heavy hand on the girl’s trembling shoulder.
“Do you realize what you are doing?” he asked, and his voice shook a little, but whether with anger or fear Gretel did not know.
“I can’t swear not to tell,” she whispered. “It would be disloyal to my brother, and—and to my country.”
“Then,” said Mr. Becker, sternly, “you will not be allowed to leave this house. Do you understand what that means?”
Gretel gave a little frightened sob. She glanced towards the open window, with some wild idea of screaming for help, but as if anticipating her intention, Mr. Becker sprang across the room and closed the window with a bang.