yourself anywhere on the Dutch coast. So you had better think it over
carefully."

The skipper's broad countenance had gradually brightened, and at these
words a cunning grin overspread his features.

"Three thousand marks! If that's a bargain, Herr major, you can count
upon my serving you honourably."

"Perhaps it isn't so much a matter of your honour as of your cleverness.
Unless the information you bring me corresponds with my expectations, of
course the payment will suffer accordingly. The price depends upon the
quality of the goods."

"Oh, you will be satisfied with me. I have connexions over there, and if
you want anything else, you shall see what Brandelaar can do."

"Good! It will be to your own interest to serve me well and faithfully."

Suddenly the skipper again looked thoughtful.

"There is still one thing that troubles me, Herr major."

"What is that?"

"My men have seen an officer and soldiers visit my ship. Suppose they
talk about it over in England and the Admiral should suspect me?"

"He will have no reason to do so, if he is convinced that your
information is correct. He will have other sources of information
besides yourself, and if he finds your statements confirmed, he will
have complete confidence in you."

These words did not allay Maaning Brandelaar's uneasiness.

"Yes, but--you don't mean to give me correct information?"

"Certainly I do. Everything I write for you will be perfectly correct."

This reply was clearly too much for the skipper to understand. He stared
in speechless amazement at Heideck, who proceeded quietly--

"The Admiral wants to know the strength of the German army at Antwerp,
and I will tell you the condition of affairs. We have 120,000 men
in Holland and the small portion of Belgian territory which we have
occupied round Antwerp. In the fortress itself there are 30,000 men; on
the island of Walcheren only 5,000, in occupation of Flushing and other
important points. These are entirely trustworthy facts."

The Captain shook his head.

"If it were not disrespectful, I should think you were making a fool of
me."

"No, my friend, I have no reason to do so; you can go bail for
everything I write, and your fee will be honourably earned. It would be
somewhat different with the news you might take over to the Admiral on
your own responsibility."

Brandelaar nodded.

"I understand, Herr major, and I will act accordingly. But I must
certainly get a fresh crew;