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The last time Brandelaar left the Schelde, he came to see me here in Breskens and told me that he would soon be back again and that it would be a good business for me." "When did that happen?" "Three weeks ago. I had no reason to distrust Brandelaar, since he had often supplied goods for Amelungen." "But why did you come on board to-day?" "Brandelaar wanted it.
"And how about Herr van Spranekhuizen in Rotterdam?" continued Heideck. "Of course he belongs to the league." "He is my father's brother-in-law. His wife is an Amelungen." "And what is the real reason why these two gentlemen, who I hear are wealthy merchants, have undertaken to act as spies for England?" "Oh, there is nothing so wonderful in that, Herr major.
"They are private letters of no importance," objected Amelungen, "some of my wife's correspondence, which she accidentally left in my office. I don't know what they are about myself." "Be assured that harmless private correspondence will not be abused. But I must claim the absolute right to convince myself of the correctness of your assertions by examining them."
I am in love with a lady of very good family, and her people would be more ready to welcome me, if I had an order." "Then you have fixed your affections very high, I suppose?" "That's as one takes it. In the matter of birth, I am in that painful situation which is the inheritance of all children born out of wedlock. My mother was a Spanish dancer, my father is the wealthy Amelungen.
Eberhard Amelungen shook his head. "I know nothing of what you charge me with," he said feebly. "You have the power, and can do as you please with me. But I have nothing to confess." "Not if I tell you that my information comes from the mouth of your own son?" The merchant stared at the speaker with wide-open eyes full of anxiety. "From the mouth of my own son? But I have no son."
He, like yourself, is only an agent? If you want me to speak for you, you must tell me unreservedly everything you know about it." "Penurot has a business friend in Antwerp, as the Herr major has rightly guessed." "His name?" "Eberhard Amelungen." "What is he?" "A wholesale merchant. My cargo is intended for him." "And how is he connected with Penurot?" "I don't know.
The merchant could see that there was no chance of getting out of it, and, visibly excited, handed the little roll over to Heideck. The Major took it, without examining the contents more closely at once. "You definitely assure me, Herr Amelungen, that you have nothing else referring to this matter?" "Nothing! I give you my word, Herr major." Heideck got up.
Returning to the previous subject of conversation, Heideck said to the Lieutenant-Colonel: "I don't think we need trouble ourselves any more about the communications of Countess Arselaarts and Messrs. Amelungen and Co. The court-martial may settle with them.
Amelungen and Van Spranekhuizen are in a conspiracy to carry on a regular system of espionage in the interests of England. You are used as an agent, and Maaning Brandelaar is trying to get out of it by sacrificing you." "So it seems, really. But I am quite innocent, Herr major. I know nothing of all that.
Amelungen hesitated. "I strongly advise you to keep nothing back from me. So much is at stake for you and your relatives who are involved in this affair that it is of the utmost consequence that you should secure lenient treatment by a frank confession." "Well, then, I have some receipts." "Please let me see them."
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