"Yes, sir," replied Von Schloss.
"Then draw up a report to the effect that two Englishmen, John and William Smith, were detected in the act of spying upon the fortifications of Heligoland. Give a description as different as possible of the prisoners, and any other details that may tend to remove suspicion as to their actual identity. Have the report telegraphed to Berlin, and say I propose to deal with the accused by virtue of the power vested in me by the recent Imperial decree. Send a similar dispatch to Reuter's agent, and the news will be all over the world in less than half an hour from its receipt. I think this plan will suit admirably; do not you, Herr Major?"
"But the prisoners, sir?" asked Von Schloss, who, although the task was repugnant to him, had no option but to obey orders. "How long do you propose to keep them in detention?"
"A matter of two years. Ere then will come 'The Day'. After that it matters little whether this John Hamerton be John Smith or otherwise. Now, gentlemen, you know your orders; above all, impress upon every man in this affair the utmost importance of secrecy and reticence. Tell them to spread the report that the two Englishmen are to be released to-night and taken clear of the island in their yacht by one of our torpedo boats. Decide upon the details between yourselves, but in any case report to me early to-morrow morning."
CHAPTER VII
Official Hindrances
On the day following the preliminary examination of the two alleged spies the London evening papers published with double-leaded headlines:
"TWO ENGLISHMEN ARRESTED AS SPIES"
(Reuters Special.)
"Hamburg, Tuesday, 5 p.m. Telegraphic advice from Heligoland reports that two Englishmen, giving the names of John and William Smith, and aged about forty, were arrested on a charge of espionage early this morning. It is alleged that the prisoners, taking advantage of a dark and rainy night, eluded the cordon of patrol boats and succeeded in landing upon Sandinsel. When arrested they were in the act of photographing a highly important part of the defences. The open motor boat in which they visited the island has been seized, and drawings and photographs of various government establishments and ships were found concealed behind the petrol tanks. The accused, who admitted that they were in the employ of the British Intelligence Department, will be tried summarily by the Governor of Heligoland, General Heinrich von Wittelsbach, on Friday next. It is understood that the British Consul at Bremen has applied to have access to the prisoners."