‘Can I ask who you are, sir? And where I am? I have been here two days and no one has said a word to me.’

Eaton waved a hand dismissively. ‘We will answer your questions when you start to answer ours. The man you brought ashore, we know his name. We know he is engaged on a mission of assassination.’

‘I know nothing of that, sir.’

‘His name is Young – Charles Young.’

Wilde saw that this information had an effect. Flettner was a disciplined officer, but he rocked back on his feet.

‘I know nothing of this, sir.’

‘God damn you, Flettner. There is a firing squad waiting for you if we don’t find this man. He’s already killed two people and now he has plans to kill a child. What do you know about this?’

Flettner looked troubled.

‘Did you say he intends to kill a child?’

‘We have certain knowledge that he has a mission to kill a ten-year-old girl. How does the heroic Kriegsmarine officer feel about that? Perhaps you knew all along?’

Eaton’s aggressive questioning seemed to be having an effect. Wilde decided to let him get on with it for the time being.

‘Well?’ Eaton almost shouted the word.

‘I know nothing of this. I was merely commanding my vessel. You would expect the same of your own naval officers.’

‘No, Herr Kapitänleutnant, I would not expect the Royal Navy to land a man in Germany with orders to kill a child.’

‘But I swear I know nothing of this.’

‘Not true. We have established that you were responsible for landing Charles Young on British territory. Now I need more. What weapons does he have? Who is his contact in Britain? He must have at least one. He must also have access to a wireless for sending messages to Berlin. And an escape route must have been planned for when he has finished his foul task. Was that also your job – to pick him up? I need details, Flettner – and I need them fast. An innocent child’s life is at stake.’

Flettner was silent for a few moments. Wilde could see him weighing up his options. At last he stiffened.

‘I think I have said more than enough, gentlemen. I am a German officer. You can have my name and rank and nothing more. If you wish to shoot me, so be it, but I will not dishonour my service.’

He clicked his heels again and pulled his shoulders back.

Eaton took a step forward. ‘You’re a damned fool, Flettner. You’re working for a bunch of slimy, child-murdering criminals and you’re talking about honour! There is no honour in the Nazis or their methods – and I suspect you know it.’