CHAPTER XV
THE INQUISITION
IF General von Stromberg had counted upon playing a trump card in producing Rizzio at this interview, Herr Hammersley’s demeanor must have disappointed him. For he entered the room with cheerful composure, noted Rizzio, stared at him in sudden seriousness, and then turned to von Stromberg with the air of a man briskly intent.
“You wanted to see me, Excellenz?” he asked quietly.
He had evinced a mild surprise at Rizzio’s presence, but no discomposure. If anything, his manner now had a kind of sober eagerness as at the imminence of an issue in which a necessary if painful duty must be performed.
General von Stromberg from his armchair regarded him through a cloud of tobacco smoke.
“Yes, Herr Hammersley,” said von Stromberg. “As you will observe, Herr Rizzio has just arrived from England. He followed you almost immediately upon his yacht. It is most fortunate that he is here, for there are several matters which we can discuss in privacy together.”
“I am at your service, Excellenz,” said Hammersley. “If there are any facts which I can add to my report I shall be glad.”
His idiom was Hanoverian. Rizzio, quite cool, faced him, upright, with folded arms.
“To begin with, meine Herren, we will sit. To stand
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