The Major waved his hand contemptuously.
"You are not—what you call it?—ah!—bluffing an English magistrate this time. You have a Prussian officer to deal with. If what you say is true, why are you not in uniform? Where are your identity papers? Say rather that you are in the employ of that arch-plotter Grey; tell us exactly the truth, then perhaps we will be merciful."
"Of what offence am I accused, sir?"
"Espionage—surely you know that without asking an unnecessary question."
"It is not true. I have never attempted to spy. Who, sir, is my accuser?"
"It is undesirable to mention names. Our informant states that you have been several days in Brussels, always in civilian clothes. You frequented public buildings; you were seen watching the arrival of our troops."
"That I admit," said Kenneth. "There was no secrecy about the ceremonial parade of the German army through the streets."
"Then perhaps you would tell your friends in England how the victorious Germans will march through London, hein?" asked the Major mockingly.
"I'm afraid they won't," retorted Kenneth, throwing discretion to the winds. "Your troops have to reckon first with our army and then with our fleet."