Introductions followed all around and then the girl repeated her question. "I would rather," said Lord Hastings, giving Marie a sharp look, "if we could speak with you alone." "But my mother----" protested the girl. "I know," continued Lord Hastings, "but she need have no fear." Madame Dulcé arose and smiled. "I shall leave you," she said. "When you have finished your talk, will you call me, Marie?" The girl nodded and Madame Dulcé left the room. "Now, gentlemen," said Marie, turning to the others. "As commander of this party," said Lord Hastings with a smile, "I guess it is up to me, as the Americans say, to do the talking." He gazed at the girl earnestly. "You know something of us already," he added, "so there is no harm in putting ourselves further in your power." "You need have no fear that I shall betray you," said the girl. "I had no such thought," responded Lord Hastings courteously. "Well, then the situation is this," and he told her why they had come to Heligoland. "And what is it you want of me?" said the girl, when he had concluded. "Recalling what you told Mr. Chadwick you would do for France," said Lord Hastings quietly, "I am here to put you to the test." The girl sprang to her feet and her eyes flashed for a brief instant. Then she sat down again. "Try me," she said quietly. Lord Hastings nodded his satisfaction. "Then," said he, "can you tell me something of the fortifications of Heligoland? Can you tell me its weak spots and its strong? Can you tell me how many men there are here--how many battleships? In short, can you tell me anything that will be of value to the Allies?" "I can," was the quiet reply. "Ever since the war broke out I have been learning things--and trying to learn more--and I have stored them up in my memory for just this chance. It has been my ambition to serve France and it makes me happy to think I can do so at last." "Good," said Lord Hastings. "Then perhaps the best way will be for you to answer my questions." "_Bien_, Lord Hastings." "First, then, from what you have learned, where is the weakest spot in the fortifications--the spot that would be most susceptible to attack?" "I can answer that quickly," was the reply. "There is none." "The number of ships in the harbor?" was Lord Hastings' next question. "At the moment, seventy-two, cruisers, dreadnoughts and torpedo boats. The others are in the Kiel Canal, or in the Baltic." "And the number of men now stationed here?" "I can't answer that exactly, but the number is comparatively small. I can find out in the morning." "We'll pass that for the moment, then. Is there a submarine base here, or do the underwater boats operate from Kiel?" "There is a submarine base here." Thus Lord Hastings questioned the girl at length and she answered quietly and comprehensively. The conversation continued for more than an hour. Lord Hastings, Jack and Frank storing what the girl told them in their memories for future use.