"I have had the yacht ransacked, sir, and nothing incriminating has been found."
"Nothing, sir?" said the commandant meaningly.
"Unless I except the charts—they're useless as far as the defences of the island are concerned—a telescope, and a camera."
"Camera? Any plates or films exposed?"
"There were four films out of the twelve exposed, sir."
"Have you had them developed?"
"Yes, sir, they will be dry in less than half an hour; but the views are only of some English and Dutch fishing boats."
"And, Herr Dort, another matter. Have all traces of your search on board the yacht removed, and make all snug. Directly it becomes night detail a torpedo boat to tow this craft towards Norderney Gat. When within a league or so of the lightship cut the yacht adrift."
"And scuttle her, sir?"
"No," replied the commandant after a moment's reflection. "No; only cast her adrift with all sail set. Report to me in the morning. Now, Major, you see what I am aiming at, and what I mean to carry out?"