Jacob, at a gesture from the surgeon, had drawn a screen before Sanderson's cot and was helping the aviator dress. The two soldiers remaining of Carl's squad stood stolidly at the head of the ward. A strained silence had fallen over all the wounded.
The girl's hatred of this domineering and egotistical Prussian was almost overpowering.
For he was, she quite believed, the single element that would bring about the destruction of the man she loved, and of herself. It would be his evidence that convicted Sanderson of being a spy and would prove her to be an aider and abettor of an enemy of the German Empire.
For who would believe the unsupported word of the weakling Ernest? Belinda felt sure that in the pinch she might depend upon both her cousins to keep their own counsel, even to help her if they could.
Belinda and Sanderson could not hope to aid themselves by putting forth the claim of their American citizenship. In the eyes of the Germans they had forfeited that by aiding France. Indeed, Germany and the United States, if all reports were true, were on the verge of hostilities.
Belinda and Sanderson were helpless.
Then, as the girl continued to stare into the glittering eyes of Doctor Herschall, she realized that there was a new and inexplicable expression dawning in them, and upon the countenance of the Prussian.
"Nurse Genau," he said suddenly, and with all the harshness of which his voice was capable, "you are excused from duty in this ward for the present. Report to me at my office after the meeting of the court, at which the Herr Major Baron von Brandenburg will preside.
"Understand," he added, "you are in no wise to be held accountable for any phase of this affair—as yet. Nor can we ask the Herr Lieutenant Gessler"—he raised his voice that all might hear—"to attend the court save out of necessity—that we may come at the truth of all this trouble.
"As for you, du kleine Erbärmlicher, remain here and open not your mouth! If you dare disobey you will find there is something worse than the trenches."