The Spy in Black · Chapter
II: Tiel’s Story explained
Tiel recounts the elaborate scheme to impersonate a clergyman, Alexander Burnett, for espionage purposes.
What happens
Tiel recounts the elaborate scheme to impersonate a clergyman, Alexander Burnett, for espionage purposes. He describes how he and Schumann manipulated Burnett into applying for a parish in Myredale, then murdered him and took his identity. Von Belke is disturbed by the cold-bloodedness of the act, leading to a tense exchange about the ethics of their respective services. They reconcile and Tiel shows von Belke to his private quarters in the manse.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Espionage
Tiel's detailed account of the impersonation scheme highlights the calculated deception central to secret service work.
The Cost of War
The cold-blooded murder of Alexander Burnett illustrates the brutal human cost of wartime espionage.
Duty vs. Personal Feeling
Von Belke's moral revulsion clashes with Tiel's pragmatic view of duty, leading to a tense argument.
Characters to notice
- Adolph Tiel
Narrates the full story of the impersonation plot, including the murder of Alexander Burnett, with detached amusement.
- Lieutenant von Belke
Listens to Tiel's story with growing distaste, defends the honor of the submarine service, and eventually retires to his room.
- Alexander Burnett
The real minister whose identity Tiel assumes; he is murdered by Tiel and Schumann.
- Mr. Burnett
Referenced as the real Alexander Burnett; his clothes are now worn by Tiel.
- Mr. Taylor
An agent used by Tiel and Schumann to lure Burnett into the car where he is killed.
Key passages
“The idea was distinctly ingenious, and I think I may also venture to claim for it a little originality.”
Tiel boasts about the cleverness and originality of the impersonation plan.
Tiel's pride in the scheme contrasts with von Belke's horror.
“We knocked him on the head at a quiet part of the road, stripped him of every stitch of clothing, tied a large stone to his feet, and pitched him over the cliff.”
Tiel describes the murder of Burnett in a calm, matter-of-fact manner.
Highlights the ruthless efficiency of the secret service agents.
“Thank God, I am not in the secret service!”
Von Belke expresses relief that he is not involved in such dirty work.
Shows von Belke's moral discomfort with espionage methods.