I have known
that communications have passed back and forth, but I imagined
that this was done through neutral countries. I went out the
night before last as an ordinary British citizen, to do my duty.
I had not the faintest idea that there was to be any attempt to
land a communication here, referring to the matters in which I am
interested. I should imagine that the proof, of my words lies in
the fact that efforts were made to prevent my reaching my beat,
and that you, my substitute, whom I deliberately sent to take my
place, were attacked."
"I accept your word so far," Julian said. "Please go on."
"I am an Englishman and a patriot," Furley continued, "just as
much as you are, although you are a son of the Earl of Maltenby,
and you fought in the war. You must listen to me without
prejudice. There are thoughtful men in England, patriots to the
backbone, trying to grope their way to the truth about this bloody
sacrifice. There are thoughtful men in Germany on the same tack.
If, for the betterment of the world, we should seek to come into
touch with one another, I do not consider that treason, or
communicating with an enemy country in the ordinary sense of the
word."
"I see," Julian muttered. "What you are prepared to plead guilty
to is holding communication with members of the Labour and
Socialist Party in Germany."
"I plead guilty to nothing," Furley answered, with a touch of his
old fierceness. "Don't talk like your father and his class,
Julian.
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