small and absolutely empty room, which
might at one time have been anything from a parlour to a byre, but now
seemed consecrated to the cultivation of nettles. It had part of a
roof overhead, and seemed as likely to suit my purpose as any other of
the dilapidated group, so I brought my cycle in, flattened a square
yard or two of nettles, and sat down on the floor with my back against
the wall. And then I lit a cigarette and meditated.

"My young friend," I said to myself, "you are in an awkward position,
but, remember, you have been in awkward positions before when there
were no such compensating advantages! Let us consider these advantages
and grow cheerful. You are privileged to render your country such a
service as few single Germans have been able to render her--if this
plan succeeds! If it fails, your sacrifice will not be unknown or
unappreciated. Whatever happens, you will have climbed a rung or two
up the ladder of duty, and perhaps of fame."

This eloquence pleased my young friend so much that he lit another
cigarette.

"Consider again," I resumed, "what an opportunity you have been
unexpectedly presented with for exhibiting your resourcefulness and
your coolness and your nerve! If it had not been for that wave of salt
water your task would have been almost too simple. Your own share of
the enterprise would merely have consisted in a couple of easy rides on
a motor-cycle, and perhaps the giving of a few suggestions, or the
making of a few objections, which would probably have been brushed
aside as worthless. Now you have really something to test you!"

This oration produced a less exhilarating effect. In fact, it set me
to wondering very gravely how I could best justify this implied tribute
to my powers of surmounting difficulties. Till the day broke all I had
to do was to sit still, but after that--what? I pondered for a few
minutes, and then I came to the conclusion that an hour or two's sleep
would probably freshen my wits. I knew I could count on waking when
the sun rose, and so I closed my eyes, and presently was fast asleep.

When I awoke, it was broad daylight. Looking first through the
pane-less window and then through the gap in the roof, I saw that it
was a grey, still morning that held promise of a fine day, though
whether that was to my advantage or disadvantage I did not feel quite
sure. Nobody seemed to be stirring yet about the houses or fields, so
I had still time for deliber