st," said the ober-lieutenant, stiffly, "you have been given
abundant opportunity to deny, and have declined to do so. Our imperial
government has had sufficient information that you two have recently
entered the British secret service. It is even known to the imperial
government that you two recently undertook to penetrate into Germany,
under even another assumed name than Launce, and that you planned to spy
upon what was to be learned along the Kiel Canal. You even had some of
your arrangements made for performing that seemingly very difficult piece
of spy work. You have been charged, and you refuse to deny. It is the
same as a confession on your parts. The Earl and Countess of Denby will
stand aside."

Two sailors, at a sign from the ober-lieutenant, drew the English pair
back.

"Martin Kennor, once master of the Danish freight steamer 'Rigsdak!'"
called the commander.

Promptly the Danish skipper stood forward.

"There can be no doubt at all that you answer the description just
given?" demanded the ober-lieutenant.

"None vatever," agreed Kennor.

"The only fault to be found with you," continued the ober-lieutenant,
"is that you had the misfortune to be found in such company, and that
later on your tongue might prove too long and ready. That is all!"

Von Schellen, again on his feet, signalled to some of the seamen, then
said:

"The prisoners will follow me."

To the amazement of all he led the way to the conning tower. After him
the sailors herded the four prisoners of war. They ascended the ladder,
the Englishwoman being the last of the four. Her husband and Captain
Kennor assisted her as she stepped through the manhole to the deck
outside.

"But this is unkind," she declared, with a shiver. "My husband and I have
not our outer wraps, and the night is chilly."

"I will mention the matter," replied von Schellen, stiffly.

The wireless masts and aerials had disappeared. As the four passengers
stood on the deck and wondered, the seamen entered the submarine through
the manhole in the wake of von Schellen. When the last of them had gone
into the conning tower the junior lieutenant re-appeared at the manhole
to call:

"A pleasant evening for four!"

Then the manhole cover was closed and there came to those on deck a
muffled sound connected with fastening it on the inside.

"What does this new insolence mean?" cried the Englishwoman.

"If you do not guess, you must soon know," replied her husband, t