human
Ha! said the commandant, opening the wallet.
gpt
You told me your name was Dashwood, but here it is given as Alfred Robinson.
human
I brought that away from the body of the man who drove me, explained Dennis.
gpt
That is the English chauffeur's licence from Scotland Yard.
human
And this? continued the officer, his face becoming graver as he examined the German soldier's
gpt
human
Here you are described as Hans Schrettelmeyer, Private in the 24th Reserve Battalion of the 108th Saxons; how do you account for it?
gpt
That I picked up in the fire trench of my own battalion when we repulsed the attack last night,
human
Oh, come, you are evidently fond of picking things up, my friend, said the commandant with a dry smile.
gpt
Is there anything else that you have found that will help you?
human
I have my own identification disc,
gpt
Unfortunately, monsieur, it has also gone!
human
Ah, well, I do not think we want it, said the commandant, tilting his chair backwards.
gpt
We have had several of your kind prowling about our lines lately--one only last night, and an example is necessary. You are a spy, my friend, and that is the end of the matter.
human
Look here, sir, this is all bosh!
gpt
Quite right, my boy, laughed one of the other officers in English.
human
You are all Boche. I think there is very little doubt about that.
gpt
May I be permitted to make an observation, sir?
human
With pleasure,
gpt
A very short question over your wire to Monsieur le Général commanding this army corps will convince you that I am what I tell you I am,
human
Even if I thought there were any necessity it would, unfortunately, be impossible, said the commandant in a cold voice.
gpt
Your wires are not the only ones that suffer, and ours has undergone some damage during the night. It may be two hours before it is repaired, and you must not be surprised if we make short shrift of you.
human
But, monsieur! expostulated Dennis.
gpt
This is an outrage! My country and yours are firm friends, and I repeat, upon my word of honour, that I am an Englishman.
human
Do you know, monsieur le commandant, I should feel inclined--with all due respect I say it--to postpone the execution. I must confess this boy is a marvellous linguist, and there is not a trace of fear in his bearing.
gpt
My dear Laval, for myself I am convinced, and I shall take all responsibility, replied the commandant.
human
Prisoner, if you would like to write a letter to your friends you are at liberty to do so. We will endeavour to forward it afterwards. Also, if you care to avail yourself of the good offices of our chaplain they are at your disposal. But do not waste time, for you will be shot in half an hour,