articular instance I prepared a lengthy explanatory
communication, requesting an audience if at all possible. The letter was
so worded as to compel an acknowledgment, unless the Germans were
disposed to suffer exposure of their methods and duplicity. In due
course a representative appeared. He seemed to have only a hazy
recollection of my communication so I related all the essential details
to him. I was more than positive that the German authorities had filed a
copy of my letter because their attitude towards me changed suddenly and
adversely, and by a strange coincidence this metamorphosis agreed with
the date on which I had dispatched my communication to the Embassy.

I urged the representative to ascertain whether I had, or had not, been
acquitted of the espionage charge. I particularly desired the official
acquittal in writing from Wesel, because it would be of far-reaching
value in the event of my being haled before the authorities upon some
other flimsy offence. He listened attentively and sympathetically,
appreciated the situation as it affected me personally and promised to
do everything he could on my behalf. But evidently, subsequent
conversation with the Teuton authorities exercised the desired German
effect. A few days later I received a curt acknowledgment saying that my
affair, which was somewhat unusual, was purely one for military
decision. I was also informed that the papers referring to my case were
at Wesel fortress, and I was advised to write direct to the Commandant
at the military centre for them. With this consolation, if such it can
be called, I had to rest content.

The fact that I have never heard another word upon the subject from that
day to this proves conclusively that the authorities, although doubtless
profuse in their apologies and regrets to the Ambassador over the delay,
and unctuous in their promises to settle the issue immediately, never
really intended to stir another finger in this direction. No one
disturbed the official serenity and forthwith the whole question was
permitted to slide and to be forgotten in accordance with German
machinations.

Upon the receipt of the ambassadorial letter I was inclined to stir up
the whole issue for all I knew how, but upon second thoughts I refrained
from pursuing the matter any further. I had thoroughly made up my mind
as to the course of action which I would take, and so concluded that it
would be far better from my point of view to "let sl