“Brandelaar wanted it.  He said I could look at the cargo and discuss whether it should be unloaded here or at Ternenzen.”

“Now, M. Penurot, I will tell you something.  You will go with me to Antwerp, where I will call on Herr Amelungen and convince myself whether you are really as innocent as you say, and as I shall be glad to believe you are for the present.”

The grocer appeared to be getting still more uneasy.

“But you won’t take me before the court-martial?”

“That remains to be seen.  I can promise you nothing.  Everything will depend on the information which Herr Amelungen gives me about you, and on your future behaviour.  I will now have Brandelaar down again, and you will remain silent while I speak to him.”

“Of course, I will do everything the Herr major tells me.”

Brandelaar having been summoned to the cabin, Heideck addressed him as follows:—­

“Listen to me, Maaning Brandelaar.  I know everything, and I need not tell you that it is more than enough to put your neck in danger according to martial law.  But I will show you a way to save yourself.  Go to-morrow to Ternenzen and wait there till you hear from me.  I will make it easy for you to execute your commission; I will write the answers to Admiral Hollway’s questions myself.  You can then take them to Dover to your customer.  But at the same time I will give you a number of questions, to which you will bring me trustworthy answers at Flushing.  If you carry out this mission to my satisfaction, I will pay you 3,000 marks on your return.  As you will also have your fee from the Admiral, you will make a very good thing out of it.  But beware of attempting to betray me; it would turn out an extremely bad job for you.  I know where I can catch you, and you would be imprisoned as soon as you showed 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?”