“I’m afraid I didn’t.”
“Well, speaking in the House of Lords, he admitted that we have not only to fight a foe in the open field, but that their spies are in every land and that the webs of their intrigue enmesh and entangle every Government. It was in order to assist the authorities—your own department indeed—that Dr Jerome, two friends of his, and myself devoted our time to watching at nights, and investigating.”
The official’s lips curled slightly.
“I know that, full well. But how do you explain away the fact that your friend, the doctor, committed suicide rather than face a prosecution?”
“He had nothing to fear. Of that I am quite confident. No braver, more loyal, or more patriotic man ever existed than he, poor fellow.”
“I’m afraid the facts hardly bear out your contention.”
“But what are the facts?” demanded the young man fiercely.
“As I have already said, it is not within my province to tell you.”
“But I’ve been arrested to-night upon a false charge—a charge trumped up against me perhaps by certain officials who may be jealous of what I have done, and what I have learnt. I am discredited in the eyes of my friends at the house where I was arrested. Surely I should be told the truth!”
“I, of course, do not know what truths may be forthcoming at your trial. But at present I am not allowed to explain anything to you, save that the charge against you is that you have attempted to communicate with the enemy.”