"It may not be, sir."
[Illustration: "'SPIES ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY CONSIDERATION OF THAT DESCRIPTION'">[
"The best thing we can do is to proceed with the case against both prisoners. To release one would be prejudicial to the interest of the Fatherland, even though he be an American—which I doubt."
"What, then, sir, do you propose to do to satisfy any enquiries on the part of the United States Ambassador at Berlin? There is bound to be an outcry; these Americans are so upset over little trifles."
"There I agree, Herr Major. You say that the prisoners have not given their names to anyone belonging to the garrison before appearing here? No? Ach! I have it. Of course they are spies?"
"Undoubtedly, sir. The mere fact that they came in under cover of night, evaded our patrol boats, and brought up close to our latest submarines is suspicious. Add to that the fact that they hoisted no ensign and made no attempt to communicate with the harbour officials, and the case is as clear as daylight."
"Rutter," said the general, addressing his secretary, "what names did the accused give?"
"John Ambrose Hamerton and Oswald P. Detroit, sir."