Now, if letters containing complaints and addressed to our sole Protector are sent unsealed it is only logical to assume that the German officials apprise themselves of the character of the “grouse.”  By so doing they become as wise as the Ambassador—­if the letter ever reaches him.  By having access to all communications, a letter is permitted to go forward if it suits the officials, but not before they have made a note of the grievance in order to be able to take the necessary remedial steps before the Ambassador intervenes.

In my particular 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 sleeping dogs lie.”  I think my attitude must have completely disarmed the Germans.  To them I assumed an air of complete resignation, but all the time I was working silently and zealously towards my own salvation.