Only Von Wittelsbach's warped sense of Imperial devotion, coupled with his cast-iron belief that the accused were really spies, urged him to proceed with his plan. To him it was inconceivable that two foreigners should be able to navigate a yacht in thick weather and in the dead of night right up to the strictly prohibited anchorage reserved for the exclusive use of the "Mosquito" flotilla of the Imperial German Navy.
He was, of course, unable to form any definite idea of the amount of important information that the alleged spies had acquired. They might have gained priceless secrets during the short period the yacht was at anchor under the lee of Heligoland or they might have had their plans nipped in the bud by their prompt arrest.
In any case he concluded that the release of the accused would result in a menace to the safeguards of the empire, and that must be avoided at all costs.
It cannot be said that his immediate subordinates would have been completely in accord with his ideas had the true facts been known to them. Even Von Wittelsbach had his doubts as to whether he could overcome their sense of justice and fair play. On the other hand, the officers—imbued from the day they first donned the uniform of the German Empire with the outstanding idea that a soldier must unquestionably obey orders—were not likely to cause obstacles to the commandant's plan could he but impress upon them that the prisoners were spies, and as such a serious danger to the welfare of the State.
Von Wittelsbach was quite convinced in his own mind that once the alleged spies were convicted they would be kept out of mischief till the necessity for strict secrecy regarding the naval and military preparations of the Fatherland ceased to be of paramount importance.
Great was Hamerton's and his companion's consternation when they found themselves indicted under the names of John and William Smith, on a charge of unlawfully obtaining information of the Sathurn, Waalhorn, and Kordberg batteries situate upon the Island of Heligoland; the Braaknocke, Kalbertan, and Olde Hoven batteries on Sandinsel Island; and the submarine and torpedo-boat harbours in South Haven, adjacent to the said Island of Heligoland, such acts being unlawful and prejudicial to His Imperial Majesty the Emperor and the German people.
For three hours the tedious case dragged on. There was a call for witnesses for the defence, and, none being forthcoming, the president asked if either of the accused wished to give evidence on his own behalf.
Through the interpreter Hamerton strenuously denied that either he or his companion was guilty of spying; that by a sheer fluke they found themselves in a prohibited anchorage; and that, had they been asked, they would at once have tendered their apologies and set sail.
"As regards the book dealing with the Schwartz-Kopff torpedoes," continued the Sub, "I can easily account for its being in my possession. It fell from the clothing of a German seaman, Pfeil by name, whom we rescued after falling from your torpedo-boat destroyer S167. No doubt the man, if produced, will corroborate my statement."
Von Wittelsbach looked astounded. This admission took him completely by surprise. Then with an effort he concealed his astonishment and ordered the court to be adjourned for luncheon. In the interval he sent for Lieutenant Dort.