THE GENERAL PLAYS TO WIN
to Germany is clear. As you say, you knew too much, not about his connection with the English War Office, which, of course, would not matter in the least, but about Herr Rizzio’s connection with me, which would have mattered a great deal.”
He tapped his long forefinger upon his breast significantly and leaned forward ominously across the table. He dominated, hypnotized her. She closed her eyes, trembling violently.
“Do you mean that you do not believe? His letter, Excellenz—surely you believe that to be genuine?”
“Bait, Fräulein—that is all. Excellent bait. You swallowed it. Herr Hammersley very cleverly prepared himself against surprise. Only the fortunate accident of your losing yourself upon the moor saved Herr Rizzio from failure.”
“Oh, you are all wrong. You are willfully making me suffer. I have told the truth.”
Von Stromberg straightened and drew from his pocket a military telegraph form which he smoothed out gently with his long, bony fingers.
“Unfortunately for Herr Hammersley I have just received a message from another agent in London—in whom I have implicit faith. You read German a little. Would you care to see it?”
He laid it upon the table before her eyes and she looked, her eyes distended with terror of she knew now what.
Hammersley caused arrest of Byfield. Has informed on Rizzio and myself. Am in hiding in Kent. Will reach Germany by usual methods.
Maxwell.
Doris sat immovable, petrified with horror. Von Stromberg’s voice crackled harshly at her ear.
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