THE STOLEN DOCUMENT
The last ordinary train to Antwerp had gone long before Heideck reached the station.But a short interview with the railway commissioner sufficed, and an engine was at once placed at the Major's disposal.When he had mounted to the stoker's place the station-master saluted and signalled to the driver to start.For a moment Heideck felt a sharp pain in his heart like a knife when the grinding engine started.It was his life's happiness that he was leaving behind him for ever.A dull, paralysing melancholy possessed his soul.He seemed to himself to be a piece of lifeless mechanism, like the engine puffing ceaselessly onwards, subject and blindly obedient to the will of another.All his actions were decided, no longer by his own resolutions, but by an inexorable, higher law--by the iron law of duty.He was no longer personally free nor personally responsible.The way was marked out for him as clearly and distinctly as the course of the engine by the iron lines of rails.With tightly compressed lips he looked fixedly before him.What lay behind was no longer any concern of his.
Only a peremptory "Forward" must henceforth be his watchword.
About six o'clock in the morning he stood before the royal castle on the Place de Meix, where the Prince-Admiral had fixed his quarters, King Leopold having offered him the castle to reside in.
In spite of the early hour Heideck was at once conducted to the Prince's study.
"Your Royal Highness," said Heideck, "I have a report of the utmost importance to make.These orders of the English Admiralty have fallen into my hands."The Prince motioned him to a seat by his desk."Be good enough to read the orders to me, Herr major."Heideck read the important document, which ran as follows:--"The Lords of the Admiralty think it desirable to attack the German fleet first, as being the weaker.This attack must be carried out before the Russian fleet is in a position to go to its assistance in Kiel harbour.Therefore a simultaneous attack should be made on the two positions of the German fleet on the 15th of July.""On the 15th of July?" repeated the Prince, who had risen in great excitement."And it is the 11th to-day! How did you get possession of these orders, Herr major? What proof have you that this document is genuine?""I have the most convincing reasons for believing it genuine, your Royal Highness.You can see for yourself that the orders are written on the blue stamped paper of the English Admiralty.""Very well, Herr major! But that would not exclude the idea of a forgery.How did you come into possession of this paper?""Your Royal Highness will excuse my entering into an explanation.""Then read on."
Heideck continued--
"On the day mentioned the Copenhagen fleet has to attack Kiel harbour.Two battleships will take up a position before the fortress of Friedrichsort and Fort Falkenstein on the west side, two more before the fortifications of Labo and Moltenort on the east side of Kiel inlet; they will keep up so hot a fire on the fortifications that the rest of the fleet will be able to enter the harbour behind them under their protection.
"In the harbour of Kiel there are about a hundred transports and some older ironclads and cruisers, which cannot offer a serious resistance to our fleet.All these ships must be attacked with the greatest rapidity and vigour.It is of the utmost importance to send a battleship to the entrance of the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal, in order to cut off the retreat of the German ships.All the German ships in the harbour are to be destroyed.The attack is to be commenced by some cruisers from the rest of the fleet, which will enter the inlet in advance, without any consideration of the chance of their being blown up by mines.These vessels are to be sacrificed, if necessary, in order to set the entrance free.
"For the attack on the German fleet in the Schelde, which must also take place on the 15th of July, Vice-Admiral Domvile will form a fleet of two divisions from the Channel squadrons and the cruiser fleet.
"The first division will be formed of the following battleships:
Bulwark (Vice-Admiral Domvile's flagship), Albemarle, Duncan, Montagu, Formidable, Renown, Irresistible, and Hannibal.
"The cruisers Bacchante (Rear-Admiral Walker), Gladiator, Naiad, Hermione, Minerva, Rainbow, Pegasus, Pandora, Abukir, Vindictive, and Diana.
"The destroyers Dragon, Griffin, Panther, Locust, Boxer, Mallard, Coquette, Cygnet, and Zephyr.
"Two torpedo flotillas.
"Two ammunition ships, two colliers, and a hospital ship are to be allotted to the division.
"The second division will be formed of the following battleships:
