United States or Sierra Leone ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Of course it will only be a sham examination, and the man must be released as soon as possible, on the ground of insufficient evidence, so that he can return to England to-morrow." The Lieutenant-Colonel promised to do as the Major desired. The same evening Heideck met Penurot by arrangement at a tavern. "Our business is somewhat complicated," said Heideck.
"For God's sake, Herr major, you won't abuse my confidence. I should never forgive myself if anything I said were to harm Herr Amelungen." "Do not be unnecessarily anxious. Nothing will happen either to you or to Herr Amelungen, if you can induce him to change sides and help us for the future instead of the English." Penurot hung down his head and remained silent.
But the thought of the soldiers probably restrained him opportunely from such an act of folly. He stood where he was with tightly compressed lips and spitefully glistening eyes. "I don't understand you, Herr major," exclaimed Penurot with a visible effort. "I know nothing whatever about this paper. I am an honest business man."
"Then M. Camille Penurot also was lying when he said you were his father?" "For God's sake be merciful! Don't torture me! What is the matter with Camille? Where is he?" "He has been caught spying. What will happen to him depends on your own behaviour." Eberhard Amelungen sank back in his stool in a state of collapse. "My God! you don't mean to put him in prison? or to shoot him?"
And I think that our Chancellor has appeared on the scene just at the right moment." Heideck took leave of the Commander and retired to his cabin to draw up a report and take a well-deserved rest. When he sent for M. Camille Penurot on the following morning, he found a striking alteration in him.
I am very anxious to find someone to obtain trustworthy information about the British fleet, and you know we don't spare money." Penurot was ready to attempt his difficult task at once, and took leave of Heideck, promising to meet him soon after midnight at the same tavern. Heideck left the restaurant soon after him, and walked along the quay Van Dyck, to cool his heated brow.
He then waited for the reappearance of Penurot, who had promised to be back at midnight. But although he waited nearly an hour over the time in the tavern, he waited in vain. The terms in which Herr Amelungen's natural son had spoken of the people he intended to look for that evening made the Major anxious about his fate.
When Heideck and his prisoner, Penurot, reached the Gefion he found the Commander on deck, notwithstanding the lateness of the hour. He reported himself, and asked him to treat Penurot as a guest. "I was getting anxious about you," said the Captain, "and was on the point of sending the steam pinnace after you. Have you found out anything important?" "I believe I have.
"Rest assured, M. Penurot, that your reward will correspond with the services rendered. You know that I have no order to bestow, and besides, I do not quite understand of what importance a decoration can be to you." "You rate my sense of honour too low, Herr major! But in order that you may understand me, I will tell you a secret.
For love of her he does a great deal which certainly nothing else would induce him to do." At this moment Heideck, being informed that the pinnace was ready, requested Penurot to accompany him on board. In the harbour of Flushing he took leave of him for a while, with instructions to call upon him in an hour at his office, having told him exactly where it was.
Word Of The Day