u and I arranged!" chuckled the great brute.

(At this point Lieutenant von Belke's comments become a little too acid
for publication, and it has been considered advisable that the
narrative should be finished by the Editor.)

PART V.

A FEW CONCLUDING CHAPTERS BY THE EDITOR

I.

TIEL'S JOURNEY.

For the moment the fortitude of the hapless young lieutenant completely
broke down when he heard these tidings. It took him a minute to
control his voice, and then he said--

"Please give me back my revolver. I give you my word of honour not to
use it on any of you three."

Commander Blacklock shook his head.

"I am sorry we can't oblige you," said he.

"Poor old chap," said Phipps with genial sympathy; "it's rotten bad
luck on you, I must admit."

These well-meant words seemed only to incense the captive.

"I do not wish your damned sympathy!" he cried.

"Hush, hush! Ladies present," said Phipps soothingly.

Von Belke turned a lowering eye on Miss Holland. She had said not a
word, and scarcely moved since he came into the room, but her breathing
was a little quicker than usual, and her gaze had followed intently
each speaker in turn.

"Ach so!" he said; "the decoy is still present. I had forgot."

Blacklock's eye blazed dangerously.

"Mr Belke," he said, "Captain Phipps and I have pleaded very strongly
that, in spite of your exceedingly ambiguous position, and the fact
that you have not always been wearing uniform, you should not suffer
the fate of a spy. But if you make any more remarks like your last, I
warn you we shall withdraw this plea."

For the first time Eileen spoke.

"Please do not think it matters to me, Captain Blacklock----" she began.

In a whisper Phipps interrupted her.

"Eye-wash!" he said. "It's the only way to treat a Hun--show him the
stick!"

The hint had certainly produced its effect. Von Belke shrugged his
shoulders, and merely remarked--

"I am your prisoner. I say nothing more."

"That's distinctly wiser," said Captain Phipps, with a formidable scowl
at the captive and a wink at Miss Holland.

For a few moments von Belke kept his word, and sat doggedly silent.
Then suddenly he exclaimed--

"But I do not understand all this! How should a German agent be a
British officer? My Government knew all about Tiel--I was told to be
under his orders--it is impossible you can be he!"

Blacklock turned to the other two.

"I almost think I owe Mr Belke an e