# II: Tiel’s Story explained — The Spy in Black

> Chapter companion for The Spy in Black by J. Storer Clouston.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_spy_in_black_se/chapters/ii-tiel-s-story
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_spy_in_black_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_spy_in_black_se/chapters