A word about the origin and authorship of this book.  
In October last (1902), my friend “Carruthers” visited me in my chambers¹, and, under a provisional pledge of secrecy², told me frankly³ the whole of the adventure described in these pages. Till then I had only known as much as the rest of his friends, namely, that he had recently undergone experiences during a yachting cruise with a certain Mr “Davies” which had left a deep mark on his character and habits.
 
At the end of his narrative⁴—which, from its bearing on studies and speculations⁵ of my own, as well as from its intrinsic interest and racy delivery, made a very deep impression on me—he added that the important facts discovered in the course of the cruise had, without a moment’s delay, been communicated to the proper authorities, who, after some dignified⁶ incredulity, due in part, perhaps, to the pitiful inadequacy⁷ of their own secret service, had, he believed, made use of them, to avert⁸ a great national danger. I say “he believed”, for though it was beyond question that the danger was averted⁹ for the time, it was doubtful whether they had stirred a foot to combat it, the secret discovered being of such a nature that mere¹⁰ suspicion of it on this side was likely to destroy its efficacy.
 
There, however that may be, the matter rested for a while, as, for personal reasons which will be manifest to the reader, he and Mr “Davies” expressly wished it to rest.
 
But events were driving them to reconsider their decision. These seemed to show that the information wrung¹¹ with such peril¹² and labour from the German Government, and transmitted so promptly¹³ to our own, had had none but the most transitory influence on our policy. Forced to the conclusion that the national security was really being neglected, the two friends now had a mind to make their story public; and it was about this that “Carruthers” wished for my advice. The great drawback was that an Englishman, bearing an honoured name, was disgracefully implicated¹⁴, and that unless infinite delicacy¹⁵ were used, innocent persons, and, especially, a young lady, would suffer pain and indignity¹⁶, if his identity were known. Indeed, troublesome rumours¹⁷, containing a ............