HAMMERSLEY EXPLAINS
“You would, then, have me disregard the message from Herr Rizzio?”
“No. I merely ask that you wait until you hear from Herr Maxwell.”
“And if Herr Maxwell be dead?” asked von Stromberg quietly.
Hammersley’s face became grave.
“In that case, Excellenz, I must rely on your keenness to decide the issue between us.”
Von Stromberg slipped the packet of papers into an inner pocket and rose with a laugh. He covered the distance between himself and Hammersley in three paces with extended hands.
“I was only trying you, Herr Hammersley. It is a habit of mine. It amuses me. You will forgive me, nicht wahr?”
“Willingly, Excellenz, if you will provide me with food and a bed. Failing those, you may have me shot at once.”
“Food you shall have, and a bed is prepared in your room upstairs. As for the shooting, perhaps we may as well postpone that until morning.”
He laughed jovially, showing a very fine set of teeth, and, touching a bell which was answered by Captain Wentz, directed that food and coffee be prepared at once.
“One word more,” he went on, when Wentz went out, “where did you put this copy after leaving Lady Heathcote’s in London?”
“I slipped it down the window sash in my automobile. They did not even search for it. I got away by a ruse.”
“No one saw it?”
“No one. The message is the same.”
151
