“Certainly.  The real purpose of my journey has been overtaken by events and rendered pointless.”

“And this object—­if I may speak without mincing words—­was espionage.  Is not that the case, Mr. Heideck?”

“Espionage in the same sense that the despatch of ambassadors, ministers plenipotentiary, and military or naval attaches is espionage,” replied Heideck, visibly annoyed.

“Oh, I think there is a slight difference in their case.  All these gentlemen’s names and duties are known beforehand, and they are expressly accredited in their character of diplomatists.”

“Mr. Kennedy, I could never think of justifying myself to you, for I have not the least reason to be ashamed of my mission.  The military authorities of every country must have information as to the military condition of other powers, even though war is not definitely expected or contemplated.  In order to be equipped against all eventualities, it is necessary to know the forces and resources of other powers, no matter whether, in case of war, they would be enemies or allies.”

Mr. Kennedy, evidently irritated, replied:  “It almost seems as if we English had grossly neglected this precaution.  The Russians would hardly have surprised us, if we had known how to calculate with German astuteness.”

“Well, I hardly believe that the English method in this respect is different from ours.  Your Government, like the German, doubtless sent officers everywhere to obtain information.  Just as the General Staff in Berlin collects information about all foreign armies, fortifications, and boundaries, I have no doubt that the same thing happens in London.  Besides, it is a purely theoretical procedure, just like the drawing up of schemes of war to suit all cases.  In reality, things usually turn out quite differently from what is expected.  The present war is the most convincing proof of this.  I was sent here to study the Anglo-Indian army and the Russo-Indian frontiers, although we had no presentiment that war was imminent, and had made no plans for attacking India.  The folly of such an idea is obvious.  Further, if you regard me as a spy, Mr. Kennedy, I beg you will have no scruple about informing the Governor of my real character.  I am ready at any time to justify myself before the English authorities.”

Mr. Kennedy held out his hand to him.

“You have misunderstood me, my dear Mr. Heideck.  Your personal honour is to me so far beyond all doubt, that I should never think for a moment of putting you on a level with those spies who are tried for their lives when caught.”

At this moment one of the barefooted waiters, dressed in white, came running and shouting into the saloon, “Great victory near Delhi! total defeat of the Russian army!” at the same time triumphantly waving a printed paper in his hand.

Mr. Kennedy jumped up, tore the paper from the boy’s hand, and read the news given out by the Bombay Gazette.