HAMMERSLEY EXPLAINS
it was much more easy to lie if one knew that there was no man to oppose him. Hammersley did not know that Rizzio was on the way. Tomorrow they would meet. It would be interesting to watch that meeting. For, as to this thing, the mind of the General was clear. One of these men was false to Germany, the other true, but which? Both had come willingly, or was it by necessity? And Herr Maxwell! It was strange that Maxwell should have failed in his report at this crucial moment. And if Maxwell were dead—who had betrayed him? General von Stromberg’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door and the entrance of the orderly.
“A telegram, Excellenz, by motorcycle from Windenberg.”
The General opened the paper. It was in code and he translated it rapidly.
Von Stromberg:
Withhold judgment until my arrival. Will be at Bremen tomorrow early with Miss Mather, who possesses valuable information.
Rizzio.
General von Stromberg sank deeper into his chair, the paper in his fingers, a smile broadening upon his features. The woman! It was almost too good to be true. Miss Doris Mather, the American girl, Hammersley’s fiancée, coming to Germany with Rizzio. And Hammersley obviously did not know it. Intrigue, mystery and now romance. Tomorrow
The man still stood awaiting orders. Von Stromberg rose with a yawn.
“Is my room prepared?”
“Yes, Excellenz.”
153
