diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/55077-0.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/55077-0.txt | 12590 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 12590 deletions
diff --git a/old/55077-0.txt b/old/55077-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index dcf61c3..0000000 --- a/old/55077-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,12590 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Yellow Dove, by George Gibbs, Illustrated -by George Gibbs - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: The Yellow Dove - - -Author: George Gibbs - - - -Release Date: July 9, 2017 [eBook #55077] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YELLOW DOVE*** - - -E-text prepared by Donald Cummings and the Online Distributed Proofreading -Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made available by -Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 55077-h.htm or 55077-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/55077/55077-h/55077-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/55077/55077-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/yellowdove00gibbiala - - -Transcriber’s note: - - Text in italics is enclosed by underscores (_italics_). - - - - - -THE YELLOW DOVE - - -[Illustration: “His blond hair disheveled, his shoulders coatless, -Cyril emerged.”] - - -THE YELLOW DOVE - -by - -GEORGE GIBBS - - -Illustrated by the Author - - - - - - -[Illustration] - - -New York -Grosset & Dunlap -Publishers - -Copyright, 1915, -By D. Appleton and Company - -Printed in the United States of America - - - - -CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - PRELUDE 1 - I. SHELTERED PEOPLE 5 - II. THE UNDERCURRENT 17 - III. RICE-PAPERS 31 - IV. DANGEROUS SECRETS 45 - V. THE PURSUIT CONTINUES 55 - VI. RIZZIO TAKES CHARGE 68 - VII. AN INTRUDER 83 - VIII. EVIDENCE 96 - IX. THE VIKING’S TOWER 108 - X. THE YELLOW DOVE 121 - XI. VON STROMBERG 131 - XII. HAMMERSLEY EXPLAINS 145 - XIII. THE UNWILLING GUEST 157 - XIV. VON STROMBERG CATECHISES 172 - XV. THE INQUISITION 188 - XVI. THE GENERAL PLAYS TO WIN 206 - XVII. LINDBERG 221 - XVIII. SUCCESS 243 - XIX. THE CAVE ON THE THORWALD 260 - XX. THE FIGHT IN THE CAVERN 275 - XXI. HARE AND HOUNDS 289 - XXII. FROM THE HEIGHTS 306 - XXIII. HEADQUARTERS 320 - - - - -LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS - - - “His blond hair disheveled, his shoulders coatless, - Cyril emerged.” _Frontispiece_ - - FACING PAGE - “‘Not that,’ he whispered hoarsely, ‘for God’s - sake--not that.’” 80 - - “Her lips ... were whispering words that she - hoped could follow him into the distance.” 128 - - “The truth, and he becomes an honorable prisoner of - war. Silence, and he is shot tomorrow. Speak.” 218 - - - - -THE YELLOW DOVE - - - - -PRELUDE - - -Rifts of sullen gray in the dirty veil of vapor beyond the reaches of -dunes, where the sea in long lines of white, like the ghostly hosts of -lost regiments, clamored along the sand.... - -A soughing wind, a shrieking of sea-birds, audible in pauses between -the faraway crackle of rifle-fire and the deep reverberations of -artillery--familiar music to ears trained by long listening. A shrill -scream of flying shrapnel, a distant crash and then a tense hush.... - -Silence--nearly, but not quite. A sound so small as to be almost lost -in the echoes of the clamor, an impact upon the air like the tapping of -the wings of an insect against one’s ear-drum, a persistent staccato -note which no other noise could still, borne with curious distinctness -upon some aërial current of the fog bank. - -And yet this tiny sound had a strange effect upon the desolate scene, -for in a moment, as if they had been sown with dragon’s teeth, the sand -dunes suddenly vomited forth armed men who ran hither and thither, -their hands to their ears, peering aloft as though trying to pierce the -mystery of the skies. - -“The blighter! It’s ’_im_ agayn.” - -“_’Im! ’Oo’s ’im_, I’d like to arsk?” - -“Stow yer jaw, cawn’t yer _’ear_? Ole Yaller-belly, agayn.” - -The sounds were now clearly audible and to the south a series of rapid -detonations shivered the air. - -“There goes ‘Johnny look in the air.’ Cawn’t get ’im, though. ’Strewth! -’E’s a cool one--_’e_ is!” - -A hoarse order rang out from the trenches behind them--and the men ran -for cover. The fog lifted a little and a shaft of light touched the -leaden gray of the sea like the sheen on a dirty gun-barrel. The nearer -high-angle guns were speaking now--fruitlessly, for the sounds seemed -to come from directly overhead. The fog lifted again and a shaft of -pale sunlight shot across the line of entrenchments. - -“There ’e is, not wastin’ no time--_’e_ ayn’t.” - -“Yus. But they’re arfter ’im. There comes hyviashun. O _’ell_!” - -The expletive in a final tone of disgust for the fog had fallen again, -completely obliterating the air-craft and its pursuers. - -“_’Oo’s_ Yaller-belly?” asked a smooth-faced youth who still wore the -sallow of London under his coat of windburn. - -“You’re one of the new lot, ayn’t yer? You’ll know b----y soon ’oo -Yaller-belly is, won’t ’e, Bill? Pow! That’s ’im--them sharp ones.” - -“Garn!” said the one called Bill. “’E never ’its anythink but the dirt -an’ ’e cawn’t ’elp that.” - -“’Tayn’t ’cos ’e don’t try. ’Ear ’em? Nice droppin’s fer a dove, ayn’t -they?” - -“Dove?” said the newcomer. - -“Yus. Tubs the swine calls ’em----” - -“Tawb, yer blighter.” - -“Tub, I says. Whenever troops is moving’, ’e’s always abaht--jus’ drops -dahn hinformal-like, out o’ nowhere----” - -“And cawn’t they catch ’im?” - -“Catch ’im--? Bly me--not they! A thousand ’orse-power, they say -’e ’as--flies circles round hour hair squad like they was a lot o’ -bloomink captivatin’ balloons.” - -“But the ’igh-hangles----?” - -“Moves too fast--’ere an’ gone agayn, afore you can fill yer cutty. -They do say ’as ’ow when Yaller-belly comes, there’s sure to be big -doin’s along the front.” - -“Aye,” said Bill. “When we was dahn at Copenhagen----” - -“Compayn, gran’pop----” - -“Aw! Wot’s the hodds? Dahn at Copenhagen, ’e flew abaht same as ’e’s -doin’ now.” - -Bill paused. - -“And what happened?” - -“You’ll ’ave to arsk Sir John abaht that, me son,” finished the other -dryly. - -“We was drillin’ rear-guard actions, wasn’t we, Bill?” - -“Aye. We was drilled, right, left, an’ a bit in the middle.” Bill rose -and spat down the wind. “Tyke it from me,” he finished, with a glance -aloft through the mist, “there’ll be somethin’ happen between ’ere an’ -Wipers afore the week is hout----” - -“Aye--the ’earse, Bill.” - -“Wot ’earse?” asked the newcomer again. - -“The larst time ’e kyme--down Wipers-way. There was a lull in the -firin’ an’ ’tween the lines o’ trenches where the dead Dutchies was, -comes a ’earse--a real ’earse with black ’orses, plumes an’ all. We -thought ’twas some general they’d come to fetch and hup we stands hout -o’ the trenches, comp’ny after comp’ny, caps off, all respec’ful-like. -This ’ere ’earse comes along slow an’ mournful, black curt’ins an’ all -flappin’ in the wind an’ six of the blighters a-marchin’ heads down -behind it. They wheels up abreast of our comp’ny near a mound o’ earth -and stops, an’ while we was lookin’--the front side of that there -b----y vee-Hicle drops out an’ a machine-gun begins slippin’ it into us -pretty as you please. ’Earse--that’s wot it was--a ’earse! an’ it jolly -well made a funeral out o’ B Company.” - -“Gawd!” said the newcomer. “And Yaller-belly----?” - -“I ayn’t sayin’ nothin’ abaht _’im_. You wait, that’s all.” - -The sounds of firing rose and fell again. The fog thickened and the -last crashes of the high-angle guns echoed out to sea, but the rush of -the flying planes continued. Three machines there were by the sound of -them, but one grew ever more distinct until the sounds of the three -were merged into one. Closer it came, until like the blast of a storm -down a mountainside, a huge shadow fell across the dunes and was gone -amid a scattering of futile shots into the fog which might as well have -been aimed at the moon. - -Bill, the prescient, straightened and peered through the fog toward the -flying plane. - -“A ’earse,” he muttered. “That’s wot it was--a ’earse.” - - - - -CHAPTER I - -SHELTERED PEOPLE - - -Lady Betty Heathcote had a reputation in which she took pride for -giving successful dinners in a neighborhood where successful dinners -were a rule rather than an exception. Her prescription was simple -and consisted solely in compounding her social elements by strenuous -mixing. She had a faculty for discovering cubs with incipient manes -and saw them safely grown without mishap. At her house in Park Lane, -politics, art, literature, and science rubbed elbows. Here pictures -had been born, plays had had their real _premières_, novels had been -devised, and poems without number, not a few of which were indited to -My Lady Betty’s eyebrow, here first saw the light of day. - -For all her dynamic energy in a variety of causes, most of them wise, -all of them altruistic, Lady Betty had the rare faculty of knowing -when to be restful. Tired Cabinet ministers, overworked lords of the -Admiralty, leaders in all parties, knew that in Park Lane there would -be no questions asked which it would not be possible to answer, that -there was always an excellent dinner to be had without frills, a lounge -in a quiet room, or, indeed, a pair of pyjamas and a bed if necessary. - -But since the desperate character of the war with Germany had been -driven home into the hearts of the people of London, a change had -taken place in the complexion of many private entertainments and the -same serious air which was to be noted in the mien of well-informed -people of all classes upon the street was reflected in the faces of -her guests. Her scientists were engrossed with utilitarian problems. -Her literary men were sending vivid word-pictures of ruined Rheims -and Louvain to their brothers across the Atlantic, and her Cabinet -ministers conversed less than usual, addressing themselves with a -greater particularity to her roasts or her spare bedrooms. Torn between -many duties, as patroness to bazaars, as head of a variety of sewing -guilds, as president of the new association for the training and -equipment of nurses, Lady Heathcote herself showed signs of the wear -and tear of an extraordinary situation, but she managed to meet it -squarely by using every ounce of her abundant energy and every faculty -of her resourceful mind. - -Many secrets were hers, both political and departmental, but she -kept them nobly, aware that she lived in parlous times, when an -unconsidered word might do a damage irreparable. Agents of the enemy, -she knew, had been discovered in every walk of life, and while she -lived in London’s innermost circle, she knew that even her own house -might not have been immune from visitors whose secret motives were -open to question. It was, therefore, with the desire to reassure -herself as to the unadulterated loyalty of her intimates that she had -carefully scrutinized her dinner lists, eliminating all uncertain -quantities through whom or by whom the unreserved character of the -conversation across her board might in any way be jeopardized. So it -was that tonight’s dinner-table had something of the complexion of a -family party, in which John Rizzio, the bright particular star in -London’s firmament of Art, was to lend his effulgence. John Rizzio, -dean of collectors, whose wonderful house in Berkeley Square rivaled -the British Museum and the Wallace Collection combined, an Italian -by birth, an Englishman by adoption, who because of his public -benefactions had been offered a knighthood and had refused it; John -Rizzio, who had been an intimate of King Edward, a friend of Cabinet -ministers, who knew as much about the inner workings of the Government -as majesty itself. Long a member of Lady Heathcote’s circle, it had -been her custom to give him a dinner on the anniversary of the day of -the acquisition of the most famous picture in his collection, “The -Conningsby Venus,” which had, before the death of the old Earl, been -the aim of collectors throughout the world. - -As usual the selection of her guests had been left to Rizzio, whose -variety of taste in friendships could have been no better shown than -in the company which now graced Lady Heathcote’s table. The Earl and -Countess of Kipshaven, the one artistic, the other literary; their -daughter the Honorable Jacqueline Morley; Captain Byfield, a retired -cavalry officer now on special duty at the War Office; Lady Joyliffe, -who had lost her Earl at Mons, an interesting widow, the bud of whose -new affections was already emerging from her weeds; John Sandys, -under-secretary for foreign affairs, the object of those affections; -Miss Doris Mather, daughter of the American cotton king, who was known -for doing unusual things, not the least of which was her recent refusal -of the hand of John Rizzio, one of London’s catches, and the acceptance -of that of the Honorable Cyril Hammersley, the last to be mentioned -member of this distinguished company, gentleman sportsman and man -about town, who as everybody knew would never set the world afire. - -No one knew how this miracle had happened, for Doris Mather’s brains -were above the ordinary; she had a discriminating taste in books and a -knowledge of pictures, and just before dinner, upstairs in a burst of -confidence she had given her surprised hostess an idea of what a man -should be. - -“He should be clever, Betty,” she sighed, “a worker, a dreamer of great -dreams, a firebrand in every good cause, a patriot willing to fight to -the last drop of his blood----” - -Lady Betty’s laughter disconcerted her and she paused. - -“And that is why you chose the Honorable Cyril?” - -Miss Mather compressed her lips and frowned at her image in the mirror. - -“Don’t be nasty, Betty. I couldn’t marry a man as old as John Rizzio.” - -Lady Betty only laughed again. - -“Forgive me, dear, but it really is most curious. I wouldn’t laugh -if you hadn’t been so careful to describe to me all the virtues that -Cyril--hasn’t.” - -Doris powdered the end of her nose thoughtfully. - -“I suppose they’re all a myth--men like that. They simply don’t -exist--that’s all.” - -Lady Betty pinned a final jewel on her bodice. - -“I’m sure John Rizzio is flattered at your choice. Cyril is an old -dear. But to marry! I’d as soon take the automatic chess player. Why -are you going to marry Cyril, Doris?” she asked. - -A long pause and more powder. - -“I’m not sure that I am. I don’t even know why I thought him possible. -I think it’s the feeling of the potter for his clay. Something _might_ -be made of him. He seems so helpless somehow. Men of his sort always -are. I’d like to mother him. Besides”--and she flashed around on her -hostess brightly--“he does sit a horse like a centaur.” - -“He’s also an excellent shot, a good chauffeur, a tolerable dancer -and the best bat in England, all agreeable talents in a gentleman of -fashion but--er--hardly----” Lady Betty burst into laughter. “Good -Lord, Doris! Cyril a firebrand!” - -Doris Mather eyed her hostess reproachfully and moved toward the door -into the hallway. - -“Come, Betty,” she said with some dignity, “are you ready to go down?” - -All of which goes to show that matches are not made in Heaven and -that the motives of young women in making important decisions are -actuated by the most unimportant details. Hammersley’s good fortune -was still a secret except to Miss Mather’s most intimate friends, -but the conviction was slowly growing in the mind of the girl that -unless Cyril stopped sitting around in tweeds when everybody else was -getting into khaki, the engagement would never be announced. As the -foreign situation had grown more serious she had seen other men who -weighed less than Cyril throw off the boredom of their London habits -and go soldiering into France. But the desperate need of his country -for able-bodied men had apparently made no impression upon the placid -mind of the Honorable Cyril. It was as unruffled as a highland lake in -mid-August. He had contributed liberally from his large means to Lady -Heathcote’s Ambulance Fund, but his manner had become, if anything, -more bored than ever. - -Miss Mather entered the drawing-room thoughtfully with the helpless -feeling of one who, having made a mistake, pauses between the -alternatives of tenacity and recantation. And yet as soon as she saw -him a little tremor of pleasure passed over her. In spite of his -drooping pose, his vacant stare, his obvious inadequacy she was sure -there was something about Cyril Hammersley that made him beyond doubt -the most distinguished-looking person in the room--not even excepting -Rizzio. - -He came over to her at once, the monocle dropping from his eye. - -“Aw’fly glad. Jolly good to see you, m’dear. Handsome no end.” - -He took her hand and bent over her fingers. Such a broad back he had, -such a finely shaped head, such shoulders, such strong hands that were -capable of so much but had achieved so little. And were these all that -she could have seen in him? Reason told her that it was her mind that -demanded a mate. Could it be that she was in love with a beautiful body? - -There was something pathetic in the way he looked at her. She felt very -sorry for him, but Betty Heathcote’s laughter was still ringing in her -ears. - -“Thanks, Cyril,” she said coolly. “I’ve wanted to see you--tonight--to -tell you that at last I’ve volunteered with the Red Cross.” - -Hammersley peered at her blankly and then with a contortion set his -eyeglass. - -“Red Cross--you! Oh, I say now, Doris, that’s goin’ it rather thick on -a chap----” - -“It’s true. Father’s fitting out an ambulance corps and has promised to -let me go.” - -John Rizzio, tall, urbane, dark and cynical, who had joined them, -heard her last words and broke into a shrug. - -“It’s the khaki, Hammersley. The women will follow it to the ends of -the earth. Broadcloth and tweeds are not the fashion.” He ran his arm -through Hammersley’s. “There’s nothing for you and me but to volunteer.” - -The Honorable Cyril only stared at him blankly. - -“Haw!” he said, which, as Lady Betty once expressed it, was half the -note of a jackass. - -Here the Kipshavens arrived and their hostess signaled the advance upon -the dinner-table. - -One of the secrets of the success of Lady Heathcote’s dinners was the -size and shape of her table, which seated no more than ten and was -round. Her centerpieces were flat and her candelabra low so that any -person at the table could see and converse with anyone else. It was -thus possible delicately to remind those who insisted on completely -appropriating their dinner partners that private matters could be much -more safely discussed in the many corners of the house designed for the -purpose. Doris sat between Rizzio and Byfield, Hammersley with Lady -Joyliffe just opposite, and when Rizzio announced the American girl’s -decision to go to France as soon as her training was completed she -became the immediate center of interest. - -“That’s neutrality of the right sort,” said Kipshaven heartily. “I wish -all of your countrymen felt as you do.” - -“I think most of them do,” replied Doris, smiling slowly, “but you -know, you haven’t always been nice to us. There have been many times -when we felt that as an older brother you treated us rather shabbily. -I’m heaping coals of fire, you see.” - -“_Touché!_” said Rizzio, with a laugh. - -“I bare my head,” said the Earl. - -“Ashes to ashes,” from Lady Joyliffe. - -Kipshaven smiled. “Once in England gray hairs were venerated, even -among the frivolous. Now,” he sighed, “they are only a reproach. -_Peccavi._ Forgive me. I wish I could set the clock back.” - -“You’d go?” asked Doris. - -“Tomorrow,” said the old Earl with enthusiasm. - -Miss Mather glanced at Hammersley who was enjoying his soup, a purée he -liked particularly. - -“But isn’t there something you could do?” - -“Yes. Write, for America--for Italy--for Sweden and Holland--for Spain. -It’s something, but it isn’t enough. My fingers are itching for a -sword.” - -The Honorable Cyril looked up. - -“Pen mightier than sword,” he quoted vacuously, and went on with his -soup. - -“You don’t really mean that, Hammersley,” said Kipshaven amid smiles. - -“Well rather,” drawled the other. “All silly rot--fightin’. What’s -the use. Spoiled my boar-shootin’ in Hesse-Nassau--no season at -Carlsbad--no season anywhere--everything the same--winter--summer----” - -“You wouldn’t think so if you were in the trenches, my boy,” laughed -Byfield. - -“Beastly happy I’m not,” said Hammersley. “Don’t mind shootin’ -pheasant or boar. Bad form--shootin’ men--not the sportin’ thing, you -know--pottin’ a bird on the ground--’specially Germans.” - -“_Boches!_” said Lady Betty contemptuously. She was inclined to be -intolerant. For her Algy had already been mentioned in dispatches. “I -don’t understand you, Cyril.” - -Hammersley regarded her gravely while Constance Joyliffe took up his -cudgels. - -“You forget Cyril’s four years at Heidelberg.” - -“No I don’t,” said their hostess warmly, “and I could almost believe -Cyril had German sympathies.” - -“I have, you know,” said Hammersley calmly, sniffing at the rim of his -wineglass. - -“This is hardly the time to confess it,” said Kipshaven dryly. - -Doris sat silent, aware of a deep humiliation which seemed to envelop -them both. - -Rizzio laughed and produced a clipping from _Punch_. “Hammersley is -merely stoically peaceful. Listen.” And he read: - - “I was playing golf one day when the Germans landed - All our troops had run away and all our ships were stranded - And the thought of England’s shame nearly put me off my game.” - -Amid the laughter the Honorable Cyril straightened. - -“Silly stuff, that,” he said quite seriously, “to put a fellow off his -game.” And turning to Lady Joyliffe: “_Punch_ a bit brackish lately. -What?” - -“Cyril, you’re insular,” from Lady Heathcote. - -“No, insulated,” said Doris with a flash of the eyes. - -Rizzio laughed. “Highly potential but--er--not dangerous. Why should he -be? He’s your typical Briton--sport-loving, calm and nerveless in the -most exacting situations--I was at Lords, you know, when Hammersley -made that winning run for Marylebone--two minutes to play. Every bowler -they put up----” - -“It’s hardly a time for bats,” put in Kipshaven dryly. “What we need is -fast bowlers--with rifles.” - -The object of these remarks sat serenely, smiling blandly around the -table, but made no reply. In the pause that followed Sandys was heard -in a half whisper to Byfield. - -“What’s this I hear of a leak at the War Office?” - -Captain Byfield glanced down the table. “Have you heard that?” - -“Yes. At the club.” - -Captain Byfield touched the rim of his glass to his lips. - -“I’ve heard nothing of it.” - -“What?” from a chorus. - -“Information is getting out somewhere. I violate no confidences in -telling you. The War Office is perturbed.” - -“How terrible!” said Lady Joyliffe. “And don’t they suspect?” - -“That’s the worst of it. The Germans got wind of some of Lord -Kitchener’s plans and some of the Admiralty’s--which nobody knew but -those very near the men at the top.” - -“A spy in that circle--unbelievable,” said Kipshaven. - -“My authority is a man of importance. Fortunately no damage has been -done. The story goes that we’re issuing false statements in certain -channels to mislead the enemy and find the culprit.” - -“But how does the news reach the Germans?” asked Rizzio. - -“No one knows. By courier to the coast and then by fast motor-boat -perhaps; or by aëroplane. It’s very mysterious. A huge _Taube_, yellow -in color, flying over the North Sea between England and the continent -has been sighted and reported by English vessels again and again and -each flight has coincided with some unexpected move on the part of the -enemy. Once it was seen just before the raid at Falmouth, again before -the Zeppelin visit to Sandringham.” - -“A yellow dove!” said Lady Kipshaven. “A bird of ill omen, surely.” - -“But how could such an aëroplane leave the shores of England without -being remarked?” asked Kipshaven. - -“Oh,” laughed Sandys, “answer me that and we have the solution of the -problem. A strict watch is being kept on the coasts, and the government -employees--the postmen, police, secret-service men of every town and -village from here to the Shetlands are on the lookout--but not a -glimpse have they had of him, not a sign of his arrival or departure, -but only last week he was reported by a destroyer flying toward the -English coast.” - -“Most extraordinary!” from Lady Kipshaven. - -“It’s a large machine?” asked Rizzio. - -“Larger than any aëroplane ever built in Europe. They say Curtis, -the American, was building a thousand horsepower machine at -Hammondsport--in the States. This one must be at least as large as -that.” - -“But surely such a machine could not be hidden in England for any -length of time without discovery.” - -“It would seem so--but there you are. The main point is that he hasn’t -been discovered and that its pilot is here in England--ready to fly -across the sea with our military secrets when he gets them.” - -“D--n him!” growled Kipshaven quite audibly, a sentiment which echoed -so truly in the hearts of those present that it passed without comment. - -“The captain of a merchant steamer who saw it quite plainly reported -that the power of the machine was simply amazing--that it flew at about -six thousand feet and was lost to sight in an incredibly brief time. -In short, my friends, the Yellow Dove is one of the miracles of the -day--and its pilot one of its mysteries.” - -“But our aviation men--can they do nothing?” - -“What? Chase rainbows? Where shall their voyage begin and where end? -He’s over the North Sea one minute and in Belgium the next. Our troops -in the trenches think he’s a phantom. They say even the bombs he drops -are phantoms. They are heard to explode but nobody has ever been hit by -them.” - -“What will the War Office do?” - -Sandys shrugged expressively. “What would _you_ do?” - -“Shoot the beggar,” said the Honorable Cyril impassively. - -“Shoot the moon, sir,” roared the Earl angrily. “It’s no time for -idiotic remarks. If this story is true, a danger hangs over England. No -wholesome Briton,” here he glanced again at Hammersley, “ought to go to -sleep until this menace is discovered and destroyed.” - -“The Yellow Dove is occult,” said Sandys, “like a witch on a -broomstick.” - -“A Flying Dutchman,” returned Lady Joyliffe. - -“There seems to be no joke about that,” said the Earl. - - - - -CHAPTER II - -THE UNDERCURRENT - - -They were still discussing the strange story of Sandys when Lady -Heathcote signaled her feminine guests and they retired to the -drawing-room. Over the coffee the interest persisted and Lord Kipshaven -was not to be denied. If, as it seemed probable, this German spy was -making frequent flights between England and the continent, he must have -some landing field, a hangar, a machine shop with supplies of oil and -fuel. Where in this tight little island could a German airman descend -with a thousand horsepower machine and not be discovered unless with -the connivance of Englishmen? The thing looked bad. If there were -Englishmen in high places in London who could be bought, there were -others, many others, who helped to form the vicious chain which led to -Germany. - -“I tell you I believe we’re honeycombed with spies,” he growled. “For -one that we’ve caught and imprisoned or shot, there are dozens in the -very midst of us. If this thing keeps up we’ll all of us be suspecting -one another. How do I know that you, Sandys, you, Rizzio, Byfield -or even Hammersley here isn’t a secret agent of the Germans? What -dinner-table in England is safe when spies are found in the official -family at the War Office?” - -Rizzio smiled. - -“We, who are about to die, salute you,” he said, raising his liqueur -glass. “And you, Lord Kipshaven, how can we be sure of you?” - -“By this token,” said the old man, rising and putting his back to -the fire, “that if I even suspected, I’d shoot any one of you down -here--now, with as little compunction as I’d kill a dog.” - -“I’ll have my coffee first,” laughed Byfield, “if you don’t mind.” - -“Coffee--then coffin,” said Rizzio. - -“Jolly unpleasant conversation this,” remarked Hammersley. “Makes a -chap a bit fidgety.” - -“Fidgety!” roared the Earl. “We ought to be fidgety with the Germans -winning east and west and the finest flower of our service already -killed in battle. We need men and still more men. Any able-bodied -fellow under forty who stays at home”--and he glanced meaningly at the -Honorable Cyril--“ought to be put to work mending roads.” - -The object of these remarks turned the blank stare of his monocle but -made no reply. - -“Yes, I mean you, Cyril,” went on the Earl steadily. “Your mother was -born a Prussian. I knew her well and I think she learned to thank God -that fortune had given her an Englishman for a husband. But the taint -is in you. Your brother has been wounded at the front. His blood is -cleansed. But what of yours? You went to a German university with your -Prussian kinsmen and now openly flaunt your sympathies at a dinner of -British patriots. Speak up. How do you stand? Your friends demand it.” - -Hammersley turned his cigarette carefully in its long amber holder. - -“Oh, I say, Lord Kipshaven,” he said with a slow smile, “you’re not -spoofing a chap, are you?” - -“I was never more in earnest in my life. How do you stand?” - -“Haw!” said Hammersley with obvious effort. “I’m British, you know, -and all that sort of thing. How can an Englishman be anything else? -Silly rot--fightin’--that’s what I say. That’s all I say,” he finished -looking calmly for approval from one to the other. - -Smiles from Sandys and Rizzio met this inadequacy, but the Earl, after -glaring at him moodily for a moment, uttered a smothered, “Paugh,” and -shrugging a shoulder, turned to Rizzio and Sandys who were discussing a -recent submarine raid. - -Hammersley and Byfield sat near each other at the side of the table -away from the others. There was a moment of silence--which Hammersley -improved by blowing smoke rings toward the ceiling. Captain Byfield -watched him a moment and then after a glance in the direction of the -Earl leaned carelessly on an elbow toward Hammersley. - -“Any shootin’ at the North?” he asked. - -Hammersley’s monocle dropped and the eyes of the two men met. - -“Yes. I’m shootin’ the day after tomorrow,” said Hammersley quietly. -Byfield looked away and another long moment of silence followed. Then -the Honorable Cyril after a puff or two took the long amber holder from -his mouth, removed the cigarette and smudged the ash upon the receiver. - -“Bally heady cigarettes, these of Algy’s. Don’t happen to have any -’baccy and papers about you, do you, Byfield?” - -“Well, rather,” replied the captain. And he pushed a pouch and a -package of cigarette papers along the tablecloth. “It’s a mix of my -own. I hope you’ll like it.” - -Hammersley opened the bag and sniffed at its contents. - -“Good stuff, that. Virginia, Perique and a bit of Turkish. What?” - -Byfield nodded and watched Hammersley as he poured out the tobacco, -rolled the paper and lighted it at the candelabra, inhaling luxuriously. - -“Thanks,” he sighed. “Jolly good of you,” and he pushed the pouch back -to Byfield along the table. - -“You must come to Scotland some day, old chap,” said the Honorable -Cyril carelessly. - -“Delighted. When the war is over,” returned Byfield quietly. “Not until -the war is over.” - -“Awf’ly glad to have you any time, you know--awf’ly glad.” - -“In case of furlough--I’ll look you up.” - -“Do,” said the Honorable Cyril. - -Hammersley’s rather bovine gaze passed slowly around the room, and just -over Lord Kipshaven’s head in the mirror over the mantel it met the -dark gaze of John Rizzio. The fraction of a second it paused there and -then he stretched his long legs and rose, stifling a yawn. - -“Let’s go in--what?” he said to Byfield. - -Byfield got up and at the same time there was a movement at the mantel. - -“Don’t be too hard on the chap,” Rizzio was saying in an undertone to -Kipshaven. “You’re singing the ‘Hassgesang.’ He’s harmless--I tell -you--positively harmless.” And then as the others moved toward the -door: “Come, Lady Heathcote won’t mind our tobacco.” - -Hammersley led the way, with Byfield and Rizzio at his heels. -Jacqueline Morley had been trying to play the piano, but there was no -heart in the music until she struck up “Tipperary,” when there was a -generous chorus in which the men joined. - -Hammersley found Doris with Constance Joyliffe in an alcove. At his -approach Lady Joyliffe retired. - -“Handsome, no end,” he murmured to her as he sank beside her. - -“Handsome is as handsome does, Cyril,” she said slowly. “If you knew -what I was thinking of, you wouldn’t be so generous.” - -“What?” - -“Just what everybody is thinking about you--that you’ve got to do -something--enlist to fight--go to France, if only as a chauffeur. -They’d let you do that tomorrow if you’d go.” - -“Chauffeur! Me! Not really!” - -“Yes, that or something else,” determinedly. - -“Why?” - -She hesitated a moment and then went on distinctly. - -“Because I could never marry a man people talked about as people are -talking about you.” - -“Not marry--?” The Honorable Cyril’s face for the first time that -evening showed an expression of concern. “Not marry--me? You can’t mean -that, Doris.” - -“I do mean it, Cyril,” she said firmly. “I can’t marry you.” - -“Why----?” - -“Because to me love is a sacrament. Love of woman--love of country, but -the last is the greater of the two. No man who isn’t a patriot is fit -to be a husband.” - -“A patriot----” - -She broke in before he could protest. “Yes--a patriot. You’re not a -patriot--that is, if you’re an Englishman. I don’t know you, Cyril. You -puzzle me. You’re lukewarm. Day after day you’ve seen your friends and -mine go off in uniform, but it doesn’t mean anything to you. It doesn’t -mean anything to you that England is in danger and that she needs -every man who can be spared at home to go to the front. You see them -go and the only thing it means to you is that you’re losing club-mates -and sport-mates. Instead of taking the infection of fervor--you go -to Scotland--to shoot--not Germans but--deer! Deer!” she repeated -scathingly. - -“But there aren’t any Germans in Scotland--at least none that a chap -could shoot,” he said with a smile. - -“Then go where there _are_ Germans to shoot,” she said impetuously. She -put her face to her hands a moment. “Oh, don’t you understand? You’ve -got to prove yourself. You’ve got to make people stop speaking of you -as I’ve heard them speak of you tonight. Here you are in the midst of -friends, people who know you and like you, but what must other people -who don’t know you so well or care so much as we? What must they think -and say of your indifference, of your openly expressed sympathy with -England’s enemies? Even Lady Betty, a kinswoman and one of your truest -friends, has lost patience with you--I had almost said lost confidence -in you.” - -Her voice trailed into silence. Hammersley was moving the toe of his -varnished boot along the border of the Aubusson rug. - -“I’m sorry,” he said slowly. “Awf’ly sorry.” - -“Sorry! Are you? But what are you going to do about it?” - -“Do?” he said vaguely. “I don’t know, I’m sure. I’m no bally use, you -know. Wouldn’t be any bally use over there. Make some silly ass mistake -probably. No end of trouble--all around.” - -“And you’re willing to sacrifice the goodwill, the affection of your -friends, the respect of the girl you say you love----” - -“Oh, I say, Doris. Not that----” - -“Yes. I’ve got to tell you. I can’t be unfair to myself. I can’t -respect a man who sees others cheerfully carrying _his_ burdens, -doing _his_ work, accepting _his_ hardships in order that he may -sleep soundly at home far away from the nightmare of shot and shell. -_You_, Cyril, _you_! Is it that--the love of ease? Or is it something -else--something to do with your German kinship--the memory of your -mother. What is it? If you still want me, Cyril, it is my right to -know----” - -“Want you, Doris--” his voice went a little lower. “Yes, I want you. -You might know that.” - -“Then you must tell me.” - -He hesitated and peered at the eyeglass in his fingers. - -“I think--it’s because I--” He paused and then crossed his hands and -bowed his head with an air of relinquishment. “Because I think I must -be a”--he almost whispered the word--“a coward.” - -Doris Mather gazed at him a long moment of mingled dismay and -incredulity. - -“You,” she whispered, “the first sportsman of England--a--a coward.” - -He gave a short mirthless laugh. - -“Queer, isn’t it, the way a chap feels about such things? I -always hated the idea of being mangled. Awf’ly unpleasant idea -that--’specially in the tummy. In India once I saw a chap----” - -“You--a coward!” Doris repeated, wide-eyed. “I don’t believe you.” - -He bent his head again. - -“I--I’m afraid you’d better,” he said uncertainly. - -She rose, still looking at him incredulously, another doubt, a more -dreadful one, winging its flight to and fro across her inner vision. - -“Come,” she said in a tone she hardly recognized as her own, “come let -us join the others.” - -He stood uncertainly and as she started to go, - -“You’ll let me take you home, Doris?” he asked. - -She bent her head, and without replying made her way to the group -beyond the alcove. - -Hammersley stood a moment watching her diminishing back and then a -curious expression, half of trouble, half of resolution, came into his -eyes. - -Then after a quick glance around the curtain he suddenly reached into -his trousers pocket, took something out and scrutinized it carefully by -the light of the lamp. He put it back quickly and setting his monocle -sauntered forth into the room. As he moved to join the group at the -piano John Rizzio met him in the middle of the room. - -“Could I have a word with you, Hammersley?” he asked. - -“Happy,” said the Honorable Cyril. “Here?” - -“In the smoking-room--if you don’t mind?” - -Hammersley hesitated a moment and then swung on his heels and led the -way. At the smoking-room door from the hallway Rizzio paused, then -quietly drew the heavy curtains behind them. - -Hammersley, standing by the table, followed this action with a kind of -bored curiosity, aware that Rizzio’s dark gaze had never once left him -since they had entered the room. Slowly Hammersley took his hands from -his pockets, reached into his waistcoat for his cigarette case, and as -Rizzio approached, opened and offered it to him. - -“Smoke?” he asked carelessly. - -“I don’t mind if I do. But I’ve taken a curious liking for rolled -cigarettes. Ah! I thought so.” He opened the tobacco jar and sniffed -at it, searched around the articles on the table, then, “How -disappointing! Nothing but Algy’s dreadful pipes. You don’t happen to -have any rice-papers do you?” - -Hammersley was lighting his own cigarette at the brazier. - -“No. Sorry,” he replied laconically. - -Rizzio leaned beside him against the edge of the table. - -“Strange. I thought I saw you making a cigarette in the dining-room.” - -Hammersley’s face brightened. “Oh, yes, Byfield. Byfield has -rice-papers.” - -“I’d rather have yours,” he said quietly. - -The Honorable Cyril looked up. - -“Mine, old chap? I thought I told you I hadn’t any.” - -Rizzio smiled amiably. - -“Then I must have misunderstood you,” he said politely. - -“Yes,” said Hammersley and sank into an armchair. - -Rizzio did not move and the Honorable Cyril, his head back, was already -blowing smoke rings. - -Rizzio suddenly relaxed with a laugh and put his legs over a small -chair near Hammersley’s and folded his arms along its back. - -“Do you know, Hammersley,” he said with a laugh, “I sometimes -think that as I grow older my hearing is not as good as it used to -be. Perhaps you’ll say that I cling to my vanishing youth with a -fatuous desperation. I do. Rather silly, isn’t it, because I’m quite -forty-five. But I’ve a curiosity, even in so small a matter, to learn -whether things are as bad with me as I think they are. Now unless -you’re going to add a few more gray hairs to my head by telling -me that I’m losing my sight as well as my hearing, you’ll gratify -my curiosity--an idle curiosity, if you like, but still strangely -important to my peace of mind.” - -He paused a moment and looked at Cyril, who was examining him with -frank bewilderment. - -“I don’t think I understand,” said Hammersley politely. - -“I’ll try to make it clearer. Something has happened tonight that makes -me think that I’m getting either blind or deaf or both. To begin with -I thought you said you had no cigarette papers. If I heard you wrong, -then the burden of proof rests upon my ears--if my eyes are at fault -it’s high time I consulted a specialist, because you know, at the table -in the dining-room when you were sitting with Byfield, quite distinctly -I saw you put a package of Riz-la-Croix into your right-hand trousers -pocket. The color as you know is yellow--a color to which my optic -nerve is peculiarly sensitive.” He laughed again. “I know you’d hardly -go out of your way to make a misstatement on so small a matter, and if -you don’t mind satisfying a foible of my vanity, I wish you’d tell me -whether or not I’m mistaken.” - -He stopped and looked at Hammersley who was regarding him with polite, -if puzzled tolerance. Then, as if realizing that something was -required of him Hammersley leaned forward. - -“I say, Rizzio. What the deuce is it all about? I’m sorry you’re -gettin’ old an’ all that sort of thing, but I can’t help it. Now can I, -old chap?” - -Rizzio’s smile slowly faded and his gaze passed Hammersley and rested -on the brass fender of the fireplace. - -“You don’t care to tell me?” he asked. - -“What?” - -“About that package of rice-papers.” - -“Byfield has them.” - -“Not that package,” put in Rizzio with a wave of the hand. And then, -leaning forward, in a low tone, “The other.” - -Hammersley sat upright a moment, his hands on the chair-arms and then -sank back in his chair with a laugh. - -“I say. I can take a joke as well as the next, but--er--what’s the -answer?” - -Rizzio rose, his graceful figure dominant. - -“I don’t think that sort of thing will do, Hammersley.” - -His demeanor was perfectly correct, his hand-wave easy and a well-bred -smile flickered at his lips, but his tone masked a mystery. Hammersley -rose, removing his cigarette with great deliberateness from its holder -and throwing it into the fire. - -“If there isn’t anything else you want to see me about--” He took a -step in the direction of the door. - -“One moment, please.” - -Hammersley paused. - -“I think we’d better drop subterfuge. I know why you were here -tonight, why Byfield was here and perhaps you know now why I am here.” - -“Can’t imagine, I’m sure,” said Cyril. - -“Perhaps you can guess, when I tell you that this party was of my own -choosing--that my plans were made with a view to arranging your meeting -with Captain Byfield in a place known to be above suspicion. I have -been empowered to relieve you of any further responsibility in the -matter in question--in short of the papers themselves.” - -“Oh, I say. Vanished youth, cigarette papers and all that. You’re goin’ -it a bit thick, Rizzio, old boy.” - -Rizzio put a hand into the inside pocket of his evening coat and drew -out a card-case, which he opened under Hammersley’s eyes. - -“Look, Hammersley,” he whispered. “Maxwell gave me this! Perhaps you -understand now.” - -The Honorable Cyril fixed his eyeglass carefully and stared at the -card-case. - -“By Jove,” he muttered, with sudden interest. - -“Now you understand?” said Rizzio. - -“You!” whispered Hammersley, looking at him. The languor of a moment -before had fallen from him with his dropping monocle. - -“Yes, I. Now quick, the papers,” muttered Rizzio, putting the card-case -in his pocket. “Someone may come at any moment.” - -For a long space of time Hammersley stood uncertainly peering down at -the pattern in the rug, then he straightened and, crossing the room, -put his back to the fireplace. - -“There may be a mistake,” he said firmly. “I can’t risk it.” - -Rizzio stood for a moment staring at him as though he had not heard -correctly. Then he crossed over and faced the other man. - -“You mean that?” - -Hammersley put his hands in his trousers pockets. - -“I fancy so.” - -“What are you going to do?” - -“What I’ve been told to do.” - -“My orders supersede yours.” - -“H-m. I’m not sure.” - -“You can’t doubt my credentials.” - -“Hardly that. Er--I think I know best, that’s all.” - -Rizzio took a pace or two before the fireplace in front of him, his -brows tangled, his fingers twitching behind his back. Then he stopped -with the air of a man who has reached a decision. - -“You understand what this refusal means?” - -Hammersley shrugged. - -“You realize that it makes you an object of suspicion?” asked the other. - -“How? In doing what was expected of me?” said Hammersley easily. - -“You are expected to give those papers to me.” - -“I can’t.” - -Rizzio’s fine face had gone a shade paler under the glossy black of -his hair and his eyes gleamed dangerously under his shaggy brows. He -measured the Honorable Cyril’s six feet two against his own and then -turned away. - -“I think I understand,” he said slowly. “Your action leaves me no other -alternative.” - -Hammersley, his hands still deep in his pockets, seemed to be thinking -deeply. - -“Oh, I wouldn’t say that. Each man according to his lights. You have -your orders. I have mine. They seem to conflict. I’m going to carry -mine out. If that interferes with carrying out yours, I’m not to blame. -It’s what happens in the end that matters,” he finished significantly. - -Rizzio thought deeply for a moment. - -“You’ll at least let me see them?” - -“No, I can’t.” - -“Why?” - -“I have my own reasons.” - -Another pause in which Rizzio gave every appearance of a baffled man. - -“You realize that if I gave the alarm and those papers were found on -you----” - -“You wouldn’t do that.” - -“Why not?” - -“Because of your card-case.” - -“That signifies nothing to anyone but you and me.” - -Hammersley smiled. - -“I’ll take the risk, Rizzio,” he said finally. - -The two men had been so absorbed in their conversation that they had -not heard the drawing of the curtains of the door, but a sound made -them turn and there stood Doris Mather. - - - - -CHAPTER III - -RICE-PAPERS - - -Doris looked from the man whose hand she had accepted to the one she -had refused. Their attitudes were eloquent of concealment and the few -phrases which had reached her ears as she paused outside the curtain -did nothing to relieve the sudden tension of her fears. She hesitated -for a moment as Rizzio recovered himself with an effort. - -“Do come in, Doris,” he said with a smile. “Hammersley and I -were--er----” - -“Discussing the scrap of paper. I’m sure of it,” she said coolly. -“Nothing is so fruitful of argument. I shouldn’t have intruded, but -Cyril was to take me home and I’m ready to go.” - -A look passed between the men. - -“By Jove--of course,” said Cyril with a glance at his watch. “If you’ll -excuse me, Rizzio----” - -“Betty is going to Scotland tomorrow early and I think she wants to go -to bed.” - -Rizzio laughed. “The war has made us virtuous. Eleven o’clock! We’re -losing our beauty sleep.” - -He followed them to the door, but pleading a desire for a night-cap, -remained in the smoking-room. - -“I promised that you should take me home,” said the girl to Hammersley -as they passed along the hall. “But I’m sorry if I interrupted----” - -“Awf’ly glad,” he murmured. “Nothing important, you know. Club matter. -Personal.” - -Doris stopped just outside the drawing-room door and searched his face -keenly, while she whispered: - -“And the threats--of exposure. Oh, I heard that. I couldn’t help -it--Cyril--” - -He glanced down at her quickly. - -“Hush, Doris.” - -Something she saw in his expression changed her resolution to question -him. The mystery which she had felt to hang about him since he had said -he was a coward had deepened. Something told her that she had been -treading on forbidden ground and that in obeying him she served his -interests best, so she led the way into the drawing-room, where they -made their adieux. - -Byfield had already gone and Sandys and Lady Joyliffe were just getting -into their wraps. - -“You’ll meet me here at ten?” their hostess was asking of Constance -Joyliffe. - -“If I’m not demolished by a Zeppelin in the meanwhile,” laughed the -widow. - -“Or the Yellow Dove,” said Jacqueline Morley. “I’m _sure_ he alights on -the roofs of the Parliament Houses.” - -“You’ll be safe in Scotland at any rate, Constance. We’re quite too -unimportant up there to be visited by engines of destruction--” she -laughed meaningly. “That is--always excepting Jack Sandys.” - -Sandys looked self-conscious, but Lady Joyliffe merely beamed benignly. - -“It will really be quite restful, I’m sure,” she said easily. “Is Cyril -going to be at Ben-a-Chielt?” - -Hammersley awoke from a fit of abstraction. - -“Quite possible,” he murmured, “gettin’ to be a bit of a hermit lately. -Like it though--rather.” - -“Cyril hasn’t anyone to play with,” said Betty Heathcote, “so he has -taken to building chicken-houses.” - -“Fearfully absorbin’--chicken-houses. Workin’ ’em out on a plan of my -own. You’ll see. Goin’ in for hens to lay two eggs a day.” And then -to Kipshaven, “So the submarines can’t starve us out, you know,” he -explained. - -“I don’t think you need worry about that,” said the Earl dryly, moving -toward the door. - -Doris Mather went upstairs for her wraps and when she came down she -found Hammersley in his topcoat awaiting her. As they went down the -steps into the waiting limousine her companion offered her his arm. -Was it only fancy that gave her the impression that his glance was -searching the darkness of the Park beyond the lights of the waiting -cars with a keenness which seemed uncalled for on so prosaic an -occasion? He helped her in and gave the direction to the chauffeur. - -“Ashwater Park, Stryker, by way of Hampstead--and hurry,” she heard -him say, which was surprising since the nearer way lay through -Harlenden and Harrow-on-Hill. The orders to hurry, too, save in the -stress of need, were under the circumstances hardly flattering to her -self-esteem. But she remembered the urgent look in his eyes in the -hall when he had silenced her questions and sank back in the seat, -her gaze fixed on the gloom of Hyde Park to their left, waiting for -him to speak. He sat rigidly beside her, his hands clasped about his -stick, his eyes peering straight before him at the back of Stryker’s -head. She felt his restraint and a little bitterly remembered the cause -of it, buoyed by a hope that since he had thought it fit to enact -a lie, the whole tissue of doubts which assailed her might be based -on misconception also. That he was no coward she knew. More than one -instance of his physical courage came back to her, incidents of his -life before fortune had thrown them together and she only too well -remembered the time when he had jumped from her car and thrown himself -in front of a runaway horse, saving the necks of the occupants of the -vehicle. He had lied to her. But why--why? - -She closed her eyes trying to shut out the darkness and seek the -sanctuary of some inner light, but she failed to find it. It seemed as -though the gloom which spread over London had fallen over her spirit. - -“The City of Dreadful Night,” she murmured at last. “I can’t ever seem -to get used to it.” - -She heard his light laugh and the sound of it comforted her. - -“Jolly murky, isn’t it? I miss that fireworks Johnny pourin’ whiskey -over by Waterloo Bridge--and Big Ben. Doesn’t seem like London. All rot -anyway.” - -“You don’t think there’s danger,” she asked cautiously. - -He hesitated a moment before replying. And then, “No,” he said, “not -now.” - -Silence fell over them again. It was as though a shape sat between, a -phantom of her dead hopes and his, something so cold and tangible that -she drew away in her own corner and looked out at the meaningless blur -of the sleeping city. Her lips were tightly closed. She had given him -his chance to speak, but he had not spoken and every foot of road that -they traversed seemed to carry them further apart. The end of their -journey--! Was it to be the end ... of everything between them? - -After a while that seemed interminable she heard his voice again. - -“I suppose you think I’m an awful rotter.” - -She turned her head and tried to read his face, but he kept it away -from her, toward the opposite window. The feeling that she had voiced -to Betty Heathcote of wanting to “mother” him came over her in a warm -effusion. - -“Nothing that you can _say_ to me will make me think you one, Cyril,” -she said gently. - -“Thanks awf’ly,” he murmured. And after a pause, “I am though, you -know.” - -She leaned forward impulsively and laid a hand on his knee. - -“No. You’re acting strangely, but I know that there’s a reason -for it. As for your being a coward”--she laughed softly--“it’s -impossible--quite impossible to make me believe that.” - -He laid his fingers over hers for a moment. - -“Nice of you to have confidence in a chap and all that, but appearances -are against me--that’s the difficulty.” - -“Why are they against you? Why should they be against you? Because -you--” She stopped, for here she felt that she was approaching -dangerous ground. Instead of parleying longer, she used her woman’s -weapons frankly and leaning toward him put an arm around his neck and -compelled him to turn his face to hers. “Oh, Cyril, won’t you tell me -what this mystery is that is coming between us? Won’t you let me help -you? I want to be in the sunlight with you again. It can’t go on this -way, one of us in the dark and the other in the light. I have felt it -for weeks. When I spoke to you tonight about going to France it was in -the hope that you might give me some explanation that would satisfy me. -My heart is wrapped up in the cause of England, but if the German blood -in you is calling you away from your duties as an Englishman, tell me -frankly and I will try to forgive you, but don’t let the shadow stay -over us any longer, Cyril. I must know the truth. What is the mystery -that hangs over you and makes----” - -“Mystery?” he put in quickly. “You’re a bit seedy, Doris. Thinkin’ -too much about the war. Nothin’ mysterious about me.” He turned his -head away from her again. “People don’t like my sittin’ tight--here in -England,” he said more slowly, “when all the chaps I know are off to -the front. I--I can’t help it. That’s all.” - -“But it’s so unlike you,” she pleaded. “It’s the sporting thing, Cyril.” - -“I want you to believe,” he put in slowly, “it isn’t the kind of sport -I care for.” - -“I won’t believe it. I can’t. I know you better than that.” - -“That’s the trouble,” he insisted. “I’m afraid you don’t know me at -all.” - -“I don’t know you tonight,” she said sadly. “It almost seems as though -you were trying to get rid of me.” - -He clasped her tightly in his arms and kissed her gently. - -“God forbid,” he muttered. - -“Then tell me what it is that is worrying you,” she whispered. “Not a -living soul shall ever know. What were the threats of exposure that -passed between you and Rizzio. He can’t bear you any illwill because I -chose you instead of him. I didn’t mean to listen but I couldn’t help -it. What was the menace in his tone to you? What is the danger that -hangs over you that puts you in his power? It’s my right to know. Tell -me, Cyril. Tell me.” - -She felt the pressure of the arm around her relax and the sudden -rigidity of his whole body as he drew away. - -“I think you must have been mistaken in what you say you heard,” he -said evenly. “I told you that it was a personal matter--a club matter -in which you couldn’t possibly be interested.” - -They were speaking formally now, almost as strangers. She felt the -indifference in his tone and couldn’t restrain the bitterness that rose -in hers. - -“One gentleman doesn’t threaten a club-mate with exposure in a club -matter unless--unless he has done something discreditable--something -dishonorable----” - -The Honorable Cyril bent his head. - -“You have guessed,” he said. “He--he is jealous. He wants to humiliate -me.” - -She laughed miserably. “Then why did you threaten him?” - -“I had to defend myself.” - -“You! Dishonorable! I’ll have to have proofs of that. What are the -papers you have that he wants? And what is there incriminating in -Rizzio’s card-case? You see, I heard everything.” - -“What else did you hear?” he asked quickly. - -She drew away from him and sank back heavily in her corner. - -“Nothing,” she muttered. “Isn’t that enough?” - -It seemed to the girl as though her companion’s figure relaxed a -little. And he turned toward her gently. - -“Don’t bother about me. I’m not worth bothering about. The worst of it -is that I can’t make any explanation--at least any that will satisfy -you. All I ask is that you have patience with me if you can, trust me -if you can, and try to forget--try to forget what you have heard. If -you should mention my conversation with Rizzio it might lead to grave -consequences for him--for me.” - -The girl listened as though in a nightmare, the suspicions that -had been slowly gathering in her brain throughout the evening now -focusing upon him from every incident with a persistence that was not -to be denied. The shape sat between them again, more tangible, more -cold and cruel than before. All his excuses, all his explanations -gave it substance and reality. The phantom of their dead hopes it -had been before--now it was something more sinister--something -that put all thoughts of the Cyril she knew from her mind--the -shade of Judas fawning for his pieces of silver--a pale Judas in a -monocle.... She closed her eyes again and tried to think. Cyril! It was -unbelievable.... And a moment ago he had kissed her. She felt again the -touch of his lips on her forehead.... It seemed as though she too were -being betrayed. - -“You ask something very difficult of me,” she stammered chokingly. - -“I can only ask,” he said, “and only hope that you’ll take my word for -its importance.” - -She shivered in her corner. The sound of his voice was so impersonal, -so different from the easy bantering tone to which she was accustomed, -that it seemed that what he had said was true--that she did not know -him. - -Another surprise awaited her, for he leaned forward, peering into the -mirror beside the wind shield in front of Stryker and turned and looked -quickly out of the rear window of the car. Then she heard his voice in -quick peremptory notes through the speaking-tube. - -“There’s a car behind us. Lose it.” - -The driver touched his cap and she felt the machine leap forward. The -thin stream of light far in front of them played on the gray road and -danced on the dim façades of unlighted houses which emerged from the -obscurity, slid by and were lost again as the car twisted and turned, -rocking from side to side, moving ever more rapidly toward the open -country to the north. The dark corners of cross streets menaced for a -moment and were gone. A reflector gleamed from one, but they went by it -without slowing, the signal shrieking. A flash full upon them, a sound -of voices cursing in the darkness and the danger was passed! At the end -of a long piece of straight road Cyril turned again and reached for the -speaking-tube. But his voice was quite cool. - -“They’re coming on. Faster, Stryker.” - -And faster they went. They had reached the region of semi-detached -villas and the going was good. The road was a narrow ribbon of light -reeling in upon its spool with frightful rapidity. The machine was a -fine one and its usual well-ordered purr had grown into a roar which -seemed to threaten immediate disruption. - -Doris sat rigidly, clutching at the door sill and seat trying to adjust -her braced muscles to the task of keeping upright. But a jolt of the -car tore her grasp loose and threw her into Cyril’s arms and there he -held her steadily. She was too disturbed to resist, and lay quietly, -conscious of the strength of the long arms that enfolded her and aware -in spite of herself of a sense of exhilaration and triumph. Triumph -with Cyril! What triumph--over whom? It didn’t seem to matter just then -whom he was trying to escape. She seemed very safe in his arms and very -contented though the car rocked ominously, while its headlight whirled -drunkenly in a wild orbit of tossed shadows. The sportswoman in her -responded to the call of speed, the chance of accident, the danger -of capture--for she felt sure now that there was a danger to Cyril. -Over her shoulder she saw the lights of the pursuing machine, glowing -unblinkingly as though endowed with a persistence which couldn’t know -failure. Under the light of an incandescent she saw that its lines were -those of a touring-car and realized the handicap of the heavy car with -its limousine body. But Stryker was doing his best, running with a wide -throttle picking his road with a skill which would have done credit to -Cyril himself. The heath was already behind them. At Hendon, having -gained a little, Stryker put out his lights and turned into a by-road -hoping to slip away in the darkness, but as luck would have it the moon -was bright and in a moment they saw the long spoke of light swing in -behind them. - -“Good driver, that Johnny,” she heard her companion say in a note of -admiration to Stryker. “Have to run for it again.” - -The road was not so good here and they lost time without the -searchlights, so Stryker turned them on again. This evasion of the -straight issue of speed had been a confession of weakness and the other -car seemed to realize it, for it came on at increased speed which -shortened the distance so that the figures of the occupants of the -other were plainly discernible, five men in all, huddled low. - -A good piece of road widened the distance. The limousine, now -thoroughly warmed, was doing the best that she was capable of and the -tires Cyril told her were all new. Her question seemed to give him an -idea, for he reached for the flower vase and, thrusting out a hand, -jerked it back into the road. - -“A torn tire might help a little,” he said. - -But the fellow behind swerved and came faster. - -It was now a test of metal. Their pursuer lagged a little on the levels -but caught them on the grades and, barring an accident, it was doubtful -whether they would reach the gates of Ashwater Park safely. She heard -a reflection of this in Cyril’s voice as he shouted through the open -front window. - -“How far by the road, Stryker?” - -“Five miles, I’d say, sir.” - -“Give her all she can take.” - -Stryker nodded and from a hill crest they seemed to soar into space. -The car shivered and groaned like a stricken thing, but kept on down -the hill without the touch of a brake. They crossed a bridge, rattled -from side to side. Cyril steadied the girl in his arms and held her -tight. - -“Are you frightened?” he asked her. - -“No. But what is it all about?” - -Her companion glanced back to where the long beams of light were -searching their dust. When he turned toward her his face was grave. He -held her closely for a moment, peering into her eyes. - -“Will you help me, Doris?” she heard him say. - -“But how? What can I do, Cyril?” - -He hesitated again, glancing over his shoulder. - -“Bally nuisance to have to drive you like this. Wouldn’t do it if it -wasn’t most important----” - -“Yes----” - -“They want something I’ve got----” - -“Papers?” - -“You’ll laugh when I tell you. Most amusin’--cigarette papers!” - -“Cigarette----” - -“That’s all. I give you my word. Here they are.” And reaching down into -his trousers pocket he produced a little yellow packet. “Cigarette -papers, that’s all. These chaps must be perishin’ for a smoke. What?” -he laughed. - -“But I don’t understand.” - -“It isn’t necessary that you should. Take my word for it, won’t you? -It’s what they want. And I’m jolly determined they’re not goin’ to get -it.” - -“You want me to help you? How?” - -He looked back again and the lights behind them found a reflection in -his eyes. If, earlier in the evening she had hoped to see him fully -awake, she had her wish now. He was quite cool and ready to take an -amused view of things, but in his coolness she felt a new power, -an inventiveness, a readiness to resort to extremes to baffle his -pursuers. Her apprehension had grown with the moments. Who were these -men in the touring-car? Special agents of Scotland Yard? She had never -been so doubtful nor so proud of him. Weighed in the balance of emotion -the woman in her decided it. She caught at his hand impulsively. - -“Yes, I’ll help--if I can--whatever comes.” - -He raised her fingers to his lips and kissed them gently. - -“Thank God,” he muttered. “I knew you would.” He looked over his -shoulder and then peered out in search of familiar land-marks. They had -passed Canons Hill and swung into the main road to Watford. If they -reached there safely they would get to Ashwater Park which was but a -short distance beyond. - -She heard him speaking again and felt something thrust into the palm of -her hand. - -“Take this,” he said. “It’s what they want. They mustn’t get it.” - -“But who are _they_?” - -“I don’t know. Except that they’ve been sent by Rizzio.” - -“Rizzio!” - -“Yes. He’s not with them. This sort of game requires chaps of a -different type.” - -“You mean that they----” - -“Oh, don’t be alarmed. They won’t hurt me and of course they won’t hurt -you. I’m going to get you out of the way--with this. My success depends -on you. We’ll drive past the Park entrance close to wicket gate in -the hedge near the house. Just as we stop, jump out, run through and -hide among the shrubbery. Your cloak is dark. They won’t see you. When -they’re gone, make your way to the house. It’s a chance, but I’ve got -to take it.” - -“And you?” she faltered. - -“I’ll get away. Don’t worry. But the packet. Whatever happens don’t let -them get the packet.” - -“No,” she said in a daze, “I won’t.” - -“Keep it for me, until I come. But don’t examine it. It’s quite -unimportant to anybody but me----” he laughed, “that is, anybody but -Rizzio.” - -She stared straight in front of her trying to think, but thought seemed -impossible. The speed had got into her blood and she was mastered by -a spirit stronger than her own. He held her in his arms again and she -gloried in the thought that she could help him. Whatever his cause, her -heart and soul were in it. - -They roared into Watford and, turning sharp to the left, took the road -to Croxley Green. The machine hadn’t missed a spark but the touring-car -was creeping up--was so close that its lights were blinding them. -Hammersley leaned forward and gave a hurried order to Stryker. They -passed the Park gates at full speed--the wicket gate was a quarter -of a mile beyond. Would they make it? The touring-car was roaring up -alongside but Stryker jockeyed it into the gutter. Voices were shouting -and Doris got the gleam of something in the hand of a tall figure -standing up in the other car. There followed shots--four of them--and -an ominous sound came from somewhere underneath as the limousine limped -forward. - -“It’s our right rear tire,” said Stryker. - -“Have we a spare wheel,” she heard Cyril say. - -“Yes, sir.” - -“When we stop put it on as quick as you can. A hundred yards. Easy--so -and we’re there, Stryker. Now. Over to the left and give ’em the road. -Quick! Now stop!” - -The other machine came alongside at their right and the men jumped down -just as Cyril threw open the left-hand door and Doris leaped out and -went through the gate in the hedge. - - - - -CHAPTER IV - -DANGEROUS SECRETS - - -Once within the borders of her father’s estate and hidden in a clump of -bushes near the hedge, all idea of flight left Doris’s head. She was -home and the familiar scene gave her confidence. From the middle of her -clump of bushes grew a spruce tree, and into it she quickly climbed -until she reached a point where she could see the figures in the road -beside the quivering machines. She had not been followed. The five -men were gathered around Cyril, who was protesting violently at the -outrage. They had not missed her yet. Stryker was on his knees beside -the stricken wheel. - -“Come, now,” she heard the leader saying, “you’re not to be hurt if -you’ll give ’em up.” - -“Why, old chap, you’re mad,” Cyril was saying coolly. “I was thinkin’ -you wanted my watch. You chase me twenty miles in the dead of night and -then ask me for cigarette papers. You’re chaffin’--what?” - -“You’ll find out soon enough,” said the tall man gruffly. “Off with his -coat, Jim.... Now search him.” - -Cyril made no resistance. Doris could see his face quite plainly. He -was smiling. - -“Rum go, this,” he said with a puzzled air. “I only smoke made -cigarettes, you know.” - -But they searched him thoroughly, even taking off his shoes. - -“I say, stop it,” she heard him laugh. “You’re ticklin’.” - -“Shut up, d--n you,” said the tall man, with a scowl. - -“Right-o!” said Cyril, cheerfully. “But you’re wastin’ time.” - -They found that out in a while and the leader of the men straightened. -Suddenly he gave a sound of triumph. - -“The girl!” he cried and, rushing to the limousine, threw open the door. - -“Gone!” he shouted excitedly. “She can’t be far. Find her.” - -He rushed around the rear wheels of the limousine and for the first -time spied the gate in the hedge. - -“Tricked, by God! In after her, some of you.” - -“It won’t do a bit of good,” remarked Cyril. He was sitting in the dirt -of the middle of the road near the front wheels of the machines. “She -doesn’t smoke, o’ chap. Bad taste, I call it, gettin’ a lady mixed up -in a hunt for cigarettes. Besides she’s almost home by this. The house -isn’t far. She lives there, you know.” - -In her tree Doris trembled. She was well screened by the branches and -she heard the crackle of footsteps in the dry leaves as the searchers -beat the bushes below her, but they passed on, following the path -toward the house. As the sounds diminished in the distance she saw -Cyril still seated on the ground leaning against the front wheels -of the touring-car while he argued and cajoled the men nearest him. -Helping himself by a wheel as he arose he faced the tall man who had -come up waving his revolver and uttering wild threats. - -“It won’t help matters calling me a lot of names,” said Cyril, brushing -the dust from his clothes. “You want something I haven’t got--that’s -flat. I hope you’re satisfied.” - -“Not yet. They’ll bring the girl in a minute. She can’t have gone far.” - -Cyril glanced around him carelessly and brushed his clothes again. - -He had discovered that Stryker had put on the spare wheel and was -parleying with one of their captors. - -“Oh, very well. Have your way. What more can I do for you? If you don’t -mind I’d like to be going on.” - -“You’ll wait for the girl--here.” - -Doris watched Stryker skulking along in the shadow of the limousine. -She saw him reach his seat, heard a grinding of the clutches and a -confused scuffle out of which, his blond hair disheveled, his shoulders -coatless, Cyril emerged and leaped for the running-board of the moving -machine. - -“You forgot to search the limousine,” she heard him shout. - -The tall man scrambled to his knees and fired at the retreating machine -while the others jumped for the touring-car. - -It had no sooner begun to move than there was a sound of escaping air -and an oath from the chauffeur. - -“A puncture,” someone said. And Doris heard a volley of curses which -spoke eloquently of the sharpness of Cyril’s pocket-knife. - -Doris in her hiding-place breathed a sigh of relief. Cyril had gotten -safely off, and his last words had created a diversion in the camp of -the enemy. They were working furiously at the tire, but she knew that -the chance of coming up with Cyril again that night was gone. Now -that the affair had resulted so favorably to Cyril she began to regret -her imprudence in remaining to see the adventure to its end. Cyril had -played for time, and if she had followed his instructions she could -have gotten far enough away to have eluded her pursuers. By this time, -in all probability, she would have been safe beneath the parental roof. -The worst of it was that Cyril thought her safe. The packet in her -glove burned in her hand. Beneath her, somewhere between her refuge -and the house were two men, and how to pass them with her precious -possession became now the sole object of her thoughts. Cyril had told -her that the packet must under no circumstances fall into the hands -of their pursuers and the desperateness of his efforts to elude them -gave her a renewed sense of her importance as an instrument for good -or ill in Cyril’s cause--whatever it might be. Now that Cyril had gone -she felt singularly helpless and small in the face of such odds. For -a moment she thought of hiding the packet in the crotch of one of the -branches where she might come and reclaim it at her leisure and go down -and run the chance of being taken without it. But the unpleasantness -which might result from such an encounter deterred her, and so she sat, -her chilly ankles depending, awaiting she knew not what. She had almost -reconciled herself to the thought of spending several hours in this -uncomfortable position when the tall man in the road blew a blast on -a sporting whistle and soon the passing of footsteps through the gate -advised her that the men inside the grounds had returned. - -This was her opportunity, and without waiting to listen she dropped -quietly down on the side of the tree away from the gate and, stealing -furtively along in the shadow of the hedge, made her way as quickly as -possible in the direction of the house. Out of breath with exercise and -excitement, when she reached a patch of trees at the edge of the lawn, -she stopped and looked behind her. Then she blessed her luck in coming -down when she did, for she saw the thin ray of a pocket light gleaming -like a will-o’-the-wisp in her place of concealment and knew that the -search for her was still on. - -Fear lent her caution. She skirted the edge of the wide lawn in the -shadow of the trees, running like a deer across the moonlit spaces, -always keeping the masses of evergreens between her and the wicket gate -until she reached the flower garden, where she paused a moment to get -her breath. A patch of moonlight lay between her and the entrance and -the hedge was impenetrable. There was no other way. She bent low and -hurried forward, trusting to the good fortune that had so far aided -her. Halfway across the open she heard a shout and knew that she had -been seen. - -There was nothing for it but to run straight for the house. So -catching her skirts up above her knees and scorning the garden path -which would have taken her a longer way, she made straight for the -terrace, the main door of which she knew had been left open for her -return. Across the wide lawn in the bright moonlight she ran, her heart -throbbing madly, the precious yellow packet clutched tightly against -her palm. Out of the tail of her eye she saw dark forms emerge from -the bushes and run diagonally for the terrace steps in the hope of -intercepting her. But she was fast, and she blessed her tennis for -the wind and muscle to stand the strain. She was much nearer her goal -than her pursuers, but they came rapidly, their bulk looming larger -every moment. She saw the lights and knew that servants were at hand. -Her father, too, was in the library, for she saw the glow of his -reading-lamp. She had only to shout for help now and someone would hear -her. She tried to, but not a sound came from her parching throat. With -a last effort she raced up the terrace steps, pushed open the heavy -door and shut and bolted it quickly behind her. Then sank into the -nearest piece of furniture in a state of physical collapse. - -Doris Mather did not faint, an act which might readily have been -forgiven her under the circumstances. Her nerves were shaken by the -violence of her exercise and the narrowness of her escape, and it was -some moments before she could reply to the anxious questions that were -put to her. Then she answered evasively, peering through the windows at -the moonlit lawn and seeing no sign of her pursuers. In a few moments -she drank a glass of water and took the arm of Wilson, her maid, up the -stairway to her rooms, after giving orders to the servants that her -father was not to be told anything except that she had come in very -tired and had gone directly to bed. - -For the present at least Cyril’s packet was safe. In her dressing-room -Wilson took off her cloak and helped her into bedroom slippers, not, -however, without a comment on the bedraggled state of her dinner -dress and the shocking condition of her slippers. But Doris explained -with some care that Mr. Hammersley’s machine had had a blow-out near -the wicket gate, that she had become frightened and had run all the -way across the lawn. All of which was true. It didn’t explain Mr. -Hammersley’s deficiencies as an escort, but Wilson was too well -trained to presume further. A little sherry and a biscuit and Doris -revived rapidly. While the maid drew her bath she locked Cyril’s -cigarette papers in the drawer of the desk in her bedroom, and when -she was bathed and ready for the night she dismissed Wilson to her -dressing-room to wait within call until she had gone to bed. - -Alone with her thoughts, her first act was to turn out her lights and -kneel in the window where she could peer out through the hangings. It -was inconceivable that her pursuers would dare to make any attempt -upon the house, but even now she wondered whether it would not have -been wiser if she had taken her father into her confidence and had -the gardeners out to keep an eye open for suspicious characters. But -the motives that had kept her silent downstairs in the hall were even -stronger with her now. She could not have borne to discuss with her -father, who had an extraordinary talent for getting at the root of -difficulties, the subject of Cyril’s questionable packet of cigarette -papers. She was quite sure, from the adventure which had befallen -them tonight, and the mystery with which Cyril had chosen to invest -the article committed to her care, that Cyril himself would not have -approved of any course which would have brought the packet or his own -actions into the light of publicity. - -The packet of cigarette papers! With a last scrutiny of the landscape -she pulled the shades and hangings so that no ray of light could reach -the outside of the house, then groped her way across the room. A thin -line of light beneath the door of her dressing-room showed that Wilson -was still there. So she took the precaution of locking that door as -well as the others leading to the upstairs hall, then went to her desk -and turned on her lamp. She unlocked the drawer of the desk and taking -the small object gingerly in her fingers, scrutinized it carefully. -It was yellow in color, quite new, bound with a small rubber band, a -very prosaic, a very harmless looking object to have caused so much -excitement and trouble to all who had been concerned about it. She -turned it over and stretched its rubber band, snapping it thoughtfully -two or three times. Now for the first time since Cyril had given it to -her did she permit herself to think of the hidden meanings the thing -might possess. In the machine, during the chase Cyril had won her -unreservedly to his side. As against the mysterious men of John Rizzio -Cyril’s cause had been the only one to be considered. She had been -carried off her feet and there hadn’t been time to think of anything -but the real necessity of acceding to Cyril’s wishes in getting the -small object to a place of safety. Then it had only been a packet of -cigarette papers--a mere package of Riz-la-Croix which everybody, for -some reason or other, seemed to want. Now, weighed lightly in her -hand, the seclusion of her room gave it a different character. She -recalled Cyril’s bantering tone at having been chased twenty miles -for a cigarette. But his attitude deceived Doris no more than it had -his pursuers. There was material here for something more deadly than -cigarettes. She took the yellow packet in both hands and pressed it -to her temples as though by this act she could pass its secrets into -her own brain. In spite of herself she was frightfully curious and -frightfully afraid. - -She got up and paced the floor rapidly. No--it couldn’t go on. She must -know the truth. As the key of the one unopened room fascinated Blue -Beard’s wife, as the box fascinated Pandora, so this unopened yellow -packet plagued and fascinated Doris Mather. She hesitated another long -moment and then slipped off the rubber band and opened it, trembling so -that the first leaf of paper came out in her fingers and fell to the -floor. She picked the paper up and examined it minutely, holding it up -to the light. There was nothing unusual about it, no mark, no sign of -any kind that might indicate a secret mission. Leaf by leaf, slowly at -first and then more rapidly she went through the leaves, examining each -page back and front, without success. It was not until she was almost -half through it that she came upon the writing--four pages written -lengthways in ink with a line too fine almost for legibility. - -She put the packet down for a moment, her heart throbbing with -excitement and incredulity, too apprehensive to read, in mortal dread -of a revelation which was to change the whole course of her life and -Cyril’s. There was still time to close the book and go to bed. Why did -she sit there holding the thing open, stupidly gazing at nothing? If -Cyril---- - -Yes, if Cyril was the unspeakable thing of her doubts, it was time that -she knew it and no compunctions of honor should hold her with such a -man. Besides she had promised him nothing. Hesitating no longer, she -held the leaves under the light of her lamp and slowly deciphered the -thin script. - -At first she could make little of it, as it seemed to consist of -numerals which she couldn’t understand, but here and there she made -out the names of towns, the names of regiments familiar to her and a -series of dates, beginning in March and ending in May. As the meaning -of the writing grew clearer to her, she read on, her eyes distended -with horror. Even a child could have seen that this was a list of -the British forces under arms, the proposed dates for the completion -of their equipment, training and departure for France. When she had -finished reading the written pages, her inert fingers slowly turned the -blank papers over to the end. There was nothing more. God knows it was -enough! Cyril--the Honorable Cyril--a spy of the Germans! - -She sank low in her armchair, her senses numb from the horror of the -revelation. Her thoughts became confused like those of a sick person -awaking from a nightmare to a half consciousness, peopled with strange -beautiful images doing the dark things of dreams. Cyril--_her_ Cyril--a -spy! - -What would happen now. And which way did duty lie? Toward England or -toward Cyril? She sat crouched on the floor in an agony of misery at -the thought of Cyril’s baseness, the package of paper clenched in her -hand, trying to think clearly for England, for Cyril, for herself, but -the longer she battled the deeper became her desperation and despair. - -The world seemed to be slipping away from her, the orderly arrangement -of her thoughts was twisted and distorted so that wrong had become -right and right wrong. She had lost her standard of judgment. She did -not know which way to turn, so she bent her head forward into her hands -and silently prayed. There seemed to be nothing else to do. For a long -while she remained prostrate by the window, her brain tortured, her -body stiff with weariness, until she could think no more. Then slowly -and painfully she rose and, still clutching the yellow packet, groped -her way to bed, into which she fell exhausted in mind and body. - - - - -CHAPTER V - -THE PURSUIT CONTINUES - - -At eight o’clock Doris was awakened by a loud knocking on the door -leading to her dressing-room. She had slept the sleep of utter -exhaustion and aroused herself with difficulty, a little bewildered at -the unusual sounds. Then she dimly remembered locking the door and got -quickly out of bed, put the yellow packet in the drawer of her desk and -pushed back the bolt of the door. - -To her surprise her father confronted her and behind him were other -members of the family in various stages of their morning toilets. - -“Thank the Lord,” said David Mather with a sigh of relief. - -“What on earth is the matter?” asked the girl, glancing from one to the -other in alarm. - -Her father laughed. “Oh, nothing, now that you’re all right. Burglars, -that’s all.” - -Doris’s heart stopped beating as in a flash of reviving memory the -incidents of the night before came quickly back to her. - -“Burglars!” she stammered. - -“Yes, they got in here--came up the water spout,” pointing to the -dressing-room window, “and a fine mess they made of things. You’ll have -to take account of stock, child, and see how you stand.” - -She glanced around the disordered room, very much alarmed. The drawers -of her cupboards were all pulled out and their contents scattered -about on the floor. - -“When did--did it happen?” she asked timorously, more because she had -to say something than because that was what she wanted to know. - -“Some time before dawn,” said her father. “Wilson was here until three -thinking that you might want her and then went out to her own room in -the wing.” - -“Yes, I remember,” said the girl, passing her hand across her eyes. “I -wasn’t feeling very well--so I asked her to stay here for a while. But -I can’t understand why I didn’t wake.” - -“That’s what frightened us,” Cousin Tom broke in. “We were afraid the -snoozers might have got in to you----” - -“It’s lucky you had your door locked.” - -“They were at my library desk, too,” she heard her father saying. “Must -have gone down the hall from here. But so far as I can see, they didn’t -get anything.” - -Her Aunt Sophia gasped a sigh. - -“Thank the Lord,” she put in reverently. “At least we’re all safe and -sound.” - -Stunned at the daring of Rizzio’s men and bewildered by the persistence -with which they had followed their quest while she was sleeping, Doris -managed to formulate a quick plan to hide the meaning of this intrusion -from the members of her family. - -She had been examining the disordered contents of the upper drawers of -a bureau. - -“My jewel case, fortunately, I keep in my bedroom,” she said, “but -there was an emerald brooch to be repaired which I put in this drawer -yesterday. It’s gone.” - -She saw a puzzled look come into the eyes of Wilson, who stood near the -window, and a glance passed between them. - -“Oh, well,” her father said as he turned toward the door, “we’re lucky -it wasn’t worse. I’m ’phoning to Watford for a constable.” - -This was what Doris had feared and yet she could not protest. So she -shut her lips firmly and let them go out of the room, leaving her alone -with Wilson. - -She knew that the woman was devoted to her and that she was not in the -habit of talking belowstairs, but her mistress had seen the look of -incredulity in the woman’s eyes last night and the puzzled expression -a moment ago which indicated a suspicion connecting Doris’s arrival in -the Hall with the mysterious entrance of the dressing-room. Doris knew -that she must tell her something that would satisfy her curiosity. - -“My bath please, Wilson,” she said coolly in order to gain time. “And -say nothing, you understand.” - -“Of course, Miss Mather,” said Wilson, with her broad Kentish smile. “I -wouldn’t ha’ dreamed of it.” - -The cool water refreshed and invigorated the girl, and she planned -skillfully. By the time Wilson brought her breakfast tray she had -already wrapped the yellow packet of cigarette papers and her Cousin -Tom’s tobacco pouch in a pair of silk stockings surrounded by many -thicknesses of paper and in a disguised handwriting had addressed it to -Lady Heathcote at her place in Scotland. She had also written a note to -Betty advising her of a change in plans and of her intention to come to -her upon the following day, asking in a postscript twice underlined to -keep a certain package addressed to her and carefully described safely -under lock and key for her without opening until her arrival. She would -explain later. - -A gleam of hope had penetrated to her through the gloom that -encompassed her thoughts--only a gleam at the best, but it was enough -to give her courage to go on with her efforts to save Cyril from -immediate danger. And this was the belief born of the forcible and -secret entry of the house that the men who were in pursuit of the -fateful packet were not in any way connected with Scotland Yard or -the War Office. Otherwise if they believed the papers to be in her -possession they would have come boldly in the light of day and demanded -of her father the right to search the house. These were not times -when the War Office hesitated in matters which concerned the public -interest. John Rizzio, for some reason which she could not fathom, was -acting upon his own initiative with a desire as urgent as Cyril’s to -keep his object secret. - -She pondered those things for a long while and then with a sigh of -uncertainty dismissed them from her thoughts, which were too full of -the immediate necessity to carry out her carefully formulated plans. -First she called Wilson and after assuring herself that she was making -no mistake, took her partially into confidence, telling her of the -important paper intrusted by Mr. Hammersley to her care which it was to -the interest of other persons to possess and the necessity for getting -them safely out of the house. Her mistress’s confidences flattered the -maid and she entered very willingly into the affair, concealing the -emerald brooch which Doris produced from her jewel box, in a trunk -containing old clothes which had long stood neglected in a dusty corner -of the attic. - -After the visit of the man from Watford, who went over the situation -with a puzzled brow and departed still puzzled, she confided to her -father the letter and package which were to be mailed from London, the -letter in the morning, the package not until night. - -“Don’t fail me, daddy. It’s _very_ important----” she said as she -kissed him. “It’s a surprise for Betty, but it mustn’t get to Scotland -until tomorrow night at the earliest. And good-by----” And she kissed -him again. “I’m going with it.” - -“Tonight?” - -“Tomorrow.” - -Mr. Mather smiled and pinched her cheeks. He was quite accustomed -to sudden changes of plan on the part of his daughter and would as -soon have thought of questioning them as he would the changes in the -weather. He hadn’t liked the idea of her hunting or playing polo, but -she had done them both and cajoled him into approving of her. He had -objected fearfully when she went in for aviation, but had learned to -watch the flights of her little Nieuport with growing confidence and -had even erected a shed for her machines in the meadow behind the -stables. - -“Take care of yourself,” he said lightly. “You’re looking a little -peaky lately. If you don’t get rosier I’ll withdraw my ambulance corps.” - -She laughed. “Don’t forget!” she flung after him as he got into the car. - -With the departure of the yellow packet a weight had been lifted from -Doris’s mind. John Rizzio’s men might come now if they liked--and she -would invite them to search the place. She was not in the least afraid -of herself, and she knew that the danger to Cyril had passed--at least -for the present. - -She hoped that Cyril wouldn’t come today--or telephone her. She wanted -time to think of what she should say to him. At moments it even seemed -as though she didn’t care if she ever saw him again. But as the day -passed and she had no word from him, she grew anxious. What if Rizzio -had told the War Office! - -That night men from Watford kept a watch upon the house, but there was -no disturbance. Her watchers had evidently taken the alarm. But it was -in no very certain or very happy state that Doris drove her machine out -of the gate of the Park in the later afternoon of the next day with -her cousin Tom beside her and Wilson and the luggage in the rear seat. -The main road to London was empty of vehicles except for a man on a -motor-cycle just ahead of her bound in the same direction. At least, -she was no longer to be watched. There was plenty of time, so she drove -leisurely, reaching Euston Station with twenty minutes to spare. She -sent a wire to Lady Heathcote and then Tom saw her safely into her -carriage. - -The movement of the train soothed her and she closed her eyes and -slept, Wilson like a watchful Gorgon, guarding against intrusion. - -There was but one incident which destroyed the peace of the journey. -Toward morning, Wilson, who slept with one eye open, wakened her -suddenly and asked her quietly to look out of the window. Her train had -stopped at a large station, the platform of which was well lighted. -From the darkness of their compartment she followed the direction of -Wilson’s figure. Outside, pacing the platform and smoking cigarettes, -were two men. - -“What is it?” asked Doris, half asleep. - -“The big one,” whispered Wilson excitedly. “It was him that was ridin’ -the motor-cycle.” - -Doris remembered passing and repassing the vehicle on the road to -London, and the face of its driver came back to her. She peered out -at him eagerly and as the man turned she saw the face and figure of -the larger man clearly. It was the motor-cycle man, and in a rush the -thought came to her that his figure and bearing were strangely familiar. - -“It’s true,” she whispered, her fingers on Wilson’s arm. “We’re -followed. It’s the same man. Last night, too.” - -“Last night?” - -“Yes. It’s the man called Jim, who searched Mr. Hammersley in the road.” - -“No,” said Wilson, her eyes brightening. “You don’t say so, Miss -Mather. Of all the brazen----” - -“Sh--” said Doris. - -But there was no more sleep for either of them that night. Bolt -upright, side by side, they watched the dawn grow into sunrise and -the sunrise into broad day. They saw no more of the motor-cycle man -and Doris reassured herself that there was nothing to be feared now -that the packet was-- She started in affright. The packet at Betty -Heathcote’s! Perhaps at this very moment lying innocently in Betty’s -post-box or in the careless hands of some stupid Scotch gardener, or -worse yet inviting curiosity on Betty’s desk or library table. Her -heart sank within her as she realized that her brave plans might yet -miscarry. - -It was with a sense of joyous relief that the train pulled at last -into Innerwick Station. When she got down she saw Betty Heathcote’s -yellow brake, the four chestnuts restive in the keen moorland air, and -looking very youthful and handsome in a brown coat which made the -symphony complete, the lady herself, the wind in her cheeks and in her -cheery greeting. - -“Of course, Doris, you’re to be trusted to do something surprising. Oh, -here’s Jack Sandys--you didn’t know, of course.” - -The sight of these familiar faces gave Doris renewed confidence, and -when from the box seat she glanced around in search of her pursuer he -had disappeared. - -Sandys clambered up behind them. Wilson got into the back seat with the -grooms, the boxes went in between, and they were off. - -“Constance was tired, Jack. At least she said she was. I really think -that all she wanted was to disappoint you. Nothing like disappointment. -It breeds aspiration. But,” she added mischievously, “I’m sure she’s -_dying_ to see you. Awf’ly sad--especially since it’s not quite -forty-eight hours since you were waving a tearful good-by in Euston -Station.” - -“Did you get my package?” whispered Doris in her ear, at the first -opportunity. - -“What package? Oh, yes, the stockings. It was torn and awf’ly muddy. -Higgins dropped it from the dog-cart on the way over and had to go -back for it. Lucky he found it--in the middle of the road. What a -silly thing to make such a mystery of. And the cigarette papers--you -might be sure I’d have something to smoke at Kilmorack House. I can’t -understand. You really _could_ smoke here if you want to without so -much secrecy about it.” - -“I--I didn’t know,” stammered the girl. “I--I’ve just taken it up and I -thought you mightn’t approve.” - -Betty glanced at her narrowly. - -“Whatever ails you, child? _I_ disapprove! You know I smoke when I feel -like it--which isn’t often.” - -The subject fortunately was turned when they passed the road to -Ben-a-Chielt. - -“I always envied Cyril his cliffs. I love the sea and Cyril hates it. -‘So jolly restless,’” she mimicked him. “Makes one ‘quiggledy.’ And -there I am--away inland--five miles to the firth at the very nearest. -But I suppose,” she sighed, “one has to overlook the deficiencies of -one’s grandfather. If he had known I’d have liked the sea, Cyril, of -course, would have come into _my_ place.” - -With this kind of light chatter, of which Lady Heathcote possessed -a fund, their whip drove them upon their way, her own fine spirits -oblivious of the silence of her companions. But at last she glanced at -them suspiciously. “If I didn’t know that you were both hopelessly in -love with other persons, I’d think you were _épris_ of each other.” - -Doris laughed. - -“We are. That’s why we chose opposite ends of the train.” - -But Sandys only smiled. - -“Nothing that’s happening makes a chap happy nowadays. I bring bad -news.” - -Lady Heathcote relaxed the reins so that one of her leaders plunged -madly, while her face went white. - -“Not Algy----” - -“No, no--forgive me. He’s safe. I’ve kept watch of the bulletins.” - -“Thank God!” said Lady Heathcote, and sent her whiplash swirling over -the ears of the erring leader. - -“Not Algy--Byfield----” - -“Byfield--not dead----?” - -“No. Worse.” - -“What----?” - -“In prison. He was taken into custody yesterday afternoon as he was -leaving the War Office. Orders from ‘K.’” - -“You can’t mean that Richard Byfield is----” - -Sandys nodded quickly. - -“Yes. He was one of the leaks--a spy.” - -“A spy!” Betty Heathcote whispered in awestricken tones. “A spy--Dick! -Horrible! I can’t--I won’t----” - -“Unfortunately there’s not the least doubt about it. They found -incriminating evidence at his rooms.” - -“My God!” said Lady Heathcote. “What are we coming to? Dick -Byfield--why, two nights ago he was a guest at my table--with you, and -you----” - -Doris nodded faintly, the landscape swimming in a dark mist before her -eyes. Byfield--Cyril--Rizzio--all three had been at Lady Heathcote’s -dinner. Something had happened that night--only a part of which she -knew. Byfield was arrested--and Cyril---- She clutched desperately at -the edge of the seat and set her jaw to keep herself from speaking -Cyril’s name. - -“Were there--any others?” she asked, with an effort. - -“None so far. But there must have been others. God help them! They -won’t get any mercy.” - -“But what made him do such a thing?” asked Betty. “I could have -sworn----” - -“Money--lots of it. He wasn’t very well off, you know.” - -They were swinging over the ridge towards Kilmorack House in a tragic -silence mocked by the high jubilant notes of the coach horn which the -groom was winding to announce their approach. - -Doris got down swiftly, summoning her courage to be silent and wait. -In the drawing-room when the news was told, Constance Joyliffe added -another note of gloom. - -“We’re going to be a lively party,” said Lady Heathcote bitterly. -“Thank the Lord, John Rizzio is coming.” - -“Rizzio!” - -Doris flashed around, her terror written so plainly that anyone might -read. - -“Yes. I had his wire at Innerwick when I was waiting for you.” And then -catching the girl by the arm, “Why, dear, what is the matter?” - -“I--I think I’ll go up to my room if you don’t mind, Betty. I won’t -have any luncheon. A cup of tea is all.” She moved toward the door, her -hand in Lady Heathcote’s. “And Betty--the package, please--I--I think -it may soothe me to smoke.” - -Betty examined her quizzically but made no comment, though she couldn’t -understand such a strange proceeding in a girl who was accustomed to -do exactly as she pleased. She got the package from her desk in the -library and handed Doris the silk stockings, tobacco, and the yellow -packet. The wrapping paper which had been soiled had been relegated to -the scrap-basket. - -“And Betty----” pleaded Doris as she quickly took them, “promise me -that you won’t tell John Rizzio.” - -Lady Heathcote glanced at her quickly and then laughed. - -“I suppose I’m the least curious woman in Scotland,” she laughed, “but -I would really like to know----” - -“Don’t ask me, Betty,” Doris pleaded. “I’ve a reason--a silly one, -perhaps, but I ask you--not to speak of this--to anyone.” - -“Oh, very well,” said Lady Heathcote, “I won’t. But don’t be -mysterious. All mysteries nowadays are looked on with suspicion. Even -such an innocent little mystery”--and she laughed--“as a package of -cigarette papers.” - -Doris made some light reply and went to her room, where, with the doors -locked, she quickly examined the packet to be sure that it had not been -tampered with. Nothing seemed to have been changed and she gave a sigh -of relief to think that thus far her secret had escaped detection. It -was very clear to her now that John Rizzio had decided that the secret -information was in her possession and that his visit was planned with -the object of getting it away from her. This should never be. By the -light of the window she read and re-read the thin script until the -lines were etched upon her memory. She would burn the papers if they -were in danger. If Cyril was to meet Captain Byfield’s fate, it would -be upon other evidence than this. Her hands, at least with regard to -Cyril, must be clean. - -A knock upon the door and she hurriedly thrust the packet under a table -cover and answered. It was the maid with her tea, and upon the tray lay -a note in an unfamiliar handwriting. When the maid had gone she tore -the flap and read: - - Mr. Hammersley begs that Miss Mather will not be unduly alarmed - upon his account. Business of an urgent nature has detained - him but he assures her that he will join her at the earliest - possible moment. He begs that she will be careful. - -There was no signature and the handwriting was curious--like none to -which she was accustomed, but the message seemed somehow to sound like -Cyril. She rang for the maid, questioned her, and found that the note -had just come over by messenger from Ben-a-Chielt. - -When the maid went down, Doris re-read the message thankfully. Cyril -was safe--at least for the present. And her relief in the knowledge was -the true measure of her relation to him. Whatever else he was, he was -the man she had promised to marry--the man who a little later would -have been hers for better or for worse. And between Cyril and John -Rizzio it had not been difficult to choose. It did not seem difficult -now. - -She took up the packet of papers and paused before the open fire, a -smile playing for the first time at the corners of her lips. John -Rizzio! He was clever, as she knew, but there was more than one way -of playing the game. Perhaps with her John Rizzio might be at a -disadvantage. She hesitated a moment and then--pulled up her skirts and -slipped the yellow packet into her stocking. - - - - -CHAPTER VI - -RIZZIO TAKES CHARGE - - -Rizzio was to arrive that night. Meanwhile, with the papers hidden -about her and bright fires burning in all the living-rooms of the house -in which they could in a moment be destroyed, Doris thought herself -well placed upon the defensive. Cyril’s note had cheered her, and after -removing the dust of her journey she went down into the library, where -she joined the other members of the house party assembled. Black seemed -to be the prevailing color, for, in addition to the weeds of Lady -Constance, there was Wilfred Hammersley, Cyril’s uncle, who had lost -an only son at La Bassée, and the Heatherington girls, who had lost a -brother. - -“Ugh!” Lady Betty was saying. “I came to Scotland to try and forget, -but the war follows me. Dick Byfield a traitor! Who next? Let’s not -even speak of it. Come, I’ve ordered the brake, Doris. We’re going out -for a spin. You and I and Angeline. Constance of course has a headache, -and Jack will be having another for sympathy.” - -The air outside was life-giving, and when she returned later Doris felt -that her brain had been swept clear of its cobwebs of perplexity. She -found Wilson standing in her room gazing with a puzzled expression at -the tray of her unpacked box, the contents of which were in a state of -confusion. - -“It’s strange, Miss Mather. Someone has been at your things while I -was down in the servants’ hall at luncheon.” - -“You’re sure?” - -“Yes, Miss Mather, sure. Quite positive, in fact. Those waists were -lying flat when I left.” - -“The window wasn’t open?” asked Doris with a glance around. - -“Oh, no, Miss.” She looked about and lowered her voice. “It’s somebody -inside.” - -“Curious,” said Doris thoughtfully. “Nothing has been taken? Is the -jewel box there?” - -Together they examined the things and found that nothing was missing. - -“Say nothing about this, Wilson,” said Doris thoughtfully. “Unless -something is taken, I shouldn’t care to disturb Lady Heathcote.” - -“It can’t be----” Wilson paused, her voice hushed. - -“The papers are safe, Wilson--as long as I am safe,” replied the girl, -and told the maid of her place of concealment. - -Wilson looked dubious. “I wish you’d give them to me, Miss Mather.” - -But the girl shook her head--she was thoroughly alive now to the perils -which hung about her, here within the very doors of Lady Heathcote’s -house, but she had determined that if she could not find it possible to -keep the papers until Cyril appeared she would destroy them. She was -not frightened, for however clumsy John Rizzio’s agents might be she -was in no danger from himself. Whatever the interests which made the -possession of the yellow packet so vital, she knew the man well enough -to be sure that if there came an issue between them, he would act with -her as he had always acted--the part of a gentleman. - -Instead of apprehension at his approaching visit she now felt only -interest and a kind of suppressed exhilaration as at the prospect of a -flight in a new plane or the trying out of a green hunter--excitement -like that which preceded all her sportive ventures. - -So that when she met John Rizzio in the drawing-room after dinner--he -had not been able to manage a more opportune train--she gave him a warm -hand-clasp of greeting and a smile which caused him some surprise and -not a little regret--surprise that she was carrying off a difficult -situation with consummate ease; regret that such self-possession and -artistry were not to be added to the ornaments of his house in Berkeley -Square. Perhaps still---- - -“How agreeable,” she was saying charmingly. “The great man actually -condescends to come to the land of Calvin, oatcake and sulphur, when -there are truffles and old Madeira still to be had in London.” - -He laughed, his dark eyes appraising her slender blond beauty eagerly. - -“I have no quarrel with Calvin. Oatcake--by all means. Sulphur--er--I -suppose the sulphur will come in time.” - -“Not if you’re polite,” said the girl coolly, “and tell me what brought -you so unexpectedly to Scotland.” - -They were standing near the fire apart from the others, Doris with one -slipper on the fender, which she was regarding approvingly, her head -upon one side. He admired her careless tone. She was quite wonderful. - -“Perhaps you will not believe me,” he said suavely, “if I were to tell -you that I came to see you.” - -“Me? I _am_ flattered. I thought that great collectors were always -deterred by fear of the spurious.” - -She was carrying the war into his camp. He met the issue squarely. -“They are _only_ deterred by the spurious. Therefore I am here. The -inference is obvious.” - -He had always showed the slightest trace of his foreign accent. It went -admirably with his shrug and mobile fingers. - -“I am genuine in this,” she laughed, “that however much you know about -pictures, about _objets de vertu_--women must remain for you and for -all other men an unknown quantity.” - -“Not when they are both,” he said gallantly. - -“There are good and bad pictures--objects of virtue, excessively -ugly----” - -“Objects of virtue are usually excessively ugly, especially if they are -women.” - -“Thanks,” said Doris. “You’re most flattering. There’s something in the -air of Scotland that makes one tell the truth.” - -He laughed. “If Scotland is as merciless as that, I shall be off in the -morning. I could imagine no worse purgatory than a place in which one -always tells the truth. Lying is one of the highest arts of a mature -civilization. I haven’t the slightest notion, nor have you, that either -of us means a thing he says. We were all born to deceive--some of us do -it in one way, some in another, but we all do it to the very best of -our bent. For instance, you said a while ago that it was agreeable for -you to see me. But I’m quite sure, you know, that it wasn’t.” - -“It isn’t agreeable if you’re going to be horrid and cynical. Why -_shouldn’t_ I be glad to see you? You always stimulate my intelligence -even if you don’t flatter it.” - -The others had moved on to the library and they had the room to -themselves. - -“I don’t see how I could flatter it more than I have already done,” he -said in a low tone of voice. - -She raised her chin a trifle and peered at him slantwise. - -“Do you think that you flatter it now when you recall the mistakes of -my past?” - -He searched her face keenly but her blue eyes met his gaze steadily. -She was smiling up at him guilelessly. - -“A mistake--of course,” he said slowly. “You are young enough to afford -to make mistakes. But I am old enough to wish that it hadn’t been made -at my expense.” - -“You still care?” she asked. - -“I do.” - -“If I hadn’t thought that you wanted me for your collection----” - -“You are cruel----” - -“No. I know. You wanted me for your portrait harem, and I should have -been frightfully jealous of the Coningsby Venus. I couldn’t compete -with that sort of thing, you know.” - -He smiled at her admiringly and went on in a low tone. - -“You know why I wanted you then, and why I want you now--because you’re -the cleverest woman in England, and the most courageous.” - -“It took courage to refuse the hand of John Rizzio.” - -“It takes more courage in John Rizzio to hear those words from the lips -that refused him.” - -She laid her hand gently on his arm. - -“I am sorry,” she said. - -He bent his head and kissed her fingers. - -“It is not the Coningsby Venus who is essential to my happiness,” he -whispered. “It’s the Doris Diana.” - -She laughed. - -“That’s the disillusionment of possession.” - -“No. The only disillusionments of life are its failures--I got the -Venus by infinite patience. The Diana----” He paused and drew in his -breath. - -“You think that you may get the Diana by patience also?” she asked -quietly. - -He looked at her with a gaze that seemed to pierce all her subterfuges. - -“I waited for the Coningsby Venus,” he said in measured tones, “until -the man who possessed her--was dead.” - -She started, and the color left her cheeks. - -“You mean--Cyril?” she stammered. - -“I mean,” he replied urbanely, “precisely nothing--except that I will -never give you up.” - -She recovered her poise with an effort, and when she replied she was -smiling gayly. - -“I’m not at all sure that I want to be given up,” she said, with a -laugh that was meant to relax the tension. “You are, after all, one of -the best friends I have.” - -“I hope that nothing may ever happen to make you think otherwise.” - -Was this a threat? She glanced at him keenly as she quoted: - -“‘Friendship is constant in all other things save in the office and -affairs of love.’ May I trust you?” - -“Try me.” - -“No, I might put you to a test that would be difficult.” - -“Try me.” - -“Very well, I will. Go back to London in the morning.” - -He looked at her and laughed. - -“Why?” - -“It will be easier for you to be patient there than here----” - -“When Hammersley comes?” - -“Oh,” she said quickly, “then he _is_ coming?” - -“I don’t know why he shouldn’t,” he said slowly. - -There was a pause. - -“Shall you go?” - -“To London? I’ll think about it.” - -“There! You see? You refuse my first request.” - -“I would like to know your purpose.” - -“I think you know it already,” she put in quickly. “You want something -that I cannot give you--something that is not mine to give.” - -She had come out into the open defiantly and he met her challenge with -a laugh. - -“Because it is Hammersley’s?” he said. “You think so and Hammersley -thinks so, and possession is nine points of the law. But I will -contest.” - -“Your visit is vain. Go back to London, my friend.” - -“I find it pleasanter here.” - -“Then you refuse?” - -“I must.” - -“Then it is war between us.” - -“If you will have it so,” he said, with an inclination of the head. -Doris put her foot on the fender and leaned with her hands upon her -knee for a moment as though in deep thought. Then she turned toward -the door. - -“Come,” she said coolly. “Let us join the others.” - -There was a relief in the thought that at least they had come to an -understanding and that the matter of the possession of the papers had -at last become a private contest between them. She had brought the -interview to an end not because she was afraid to continue it but -because she wanted to think of a plan to disarm him. She felt that she -was moving in the dark but she trusted to her delicate woman’s sense of -touch to stumble upon some chance, some slip of his tongue, which might -lead her into the light. - -In the drawing-room by common consent all talk of war had been -abolished. She sat in at a hand of auction, but playing badly, she -was gladly relinquished by her partner at the end of the rubber. John -Rizzio, who disliked the game, had gone off for a quiet smoke, but when -she got up from the card table he was there waiting for her. - -“Cyril shall know of this,” laughed Betty, as they went toward the -door. “They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder--of the other -fellow.” - -Doris led the way to the gun-room, a place used by Algie Heathcote for -his sporting implements and trophies of the chase. It was comfortably -furnished in leather and oak and a cheerful fire was burning in the -grate. Doris sank into the davenport and motioned to her companion to -the place at her side. She was thoroughly alive to her danger, but the -sportswoman in her made her keen to put it to the test. - -“We are quite alone here,” she said coolly. “The others are not even -within call. Now what do you want of me?” - -Her audacity rather startled him, but he folded his arms and leaned -back smiling. - -“The papers of Riz-la-Croix, of course,” he said amiably. - -“And how do you know they’re in my possession?” - -He shrugged. - -“Because they couldn’t possibly be anywhere else.” - -“How do you know?” - -“Because I have exhausted every other resource.” - -“You’re frank at least--including the burglary at Ashwater Park and the -messing in my box upstairs?” - -“And since you must know the full truth,” he continued politely, “the -careful search of your room in your absence this evening--including the -removal of the rugs and bedding. Oh, don’t be disturbed, I beg of you,” -as she made a movement of alarm, “they have all been replaced with a -nice care for detail.” - -“And if I told Lady Heathcote of this----” - -“I am quite sure that the best interests of all,” he said politely, -“are conserved--by silence.” - -She meditated a moment, her gaze on the coals. - -“Yes,” she said slowly, “you’re clever--more than ordinarily clever. I -can’t understand how I could ever have refused you. But don’t you think -your methods have been a little--er--unchivalrous?” - -“The importance of my objects admitted of no delay. I hope you have not -been inconvenienced----” - -“Not in the least,” calmly. “My recollection of your many civilities -merely made me think that your agents were overzealous.” - -“I am sorry,” he said genuinely. “It could not be helped. You and I are -merely pawns in a game greater than anything the world has ever known.” - -“I didn’t want you to apologize. I merely thought in order to avoid -comment that you might have come to me yourself.” - -“I thought I might save you the unpleasantness of a controversy which -can only have one end.” - -“You mean--that you will win.” - -“I do.” - -“How?” - -“You will give me the papers--here, tonight.” - -“And if I told you that I had destroyed them?” - -“That would be manifestly untrue, since at the present moment in the -position of your body their outline is quite clearly defined on the -inside of your right knee.” - -Doris put both slippers upon the ground, her feet together, her face -flushing warmly. - -“I hope you will forgive my frankness,” she heard him say gently, “but -the method of your challenge--is--unusual.” - -She clasped her hands around her knees and frowned into the fire. - -“You mistake, I think, my friend. It is not a challenge. It is merely a -method of defense--the safest, I am sure, against John Rizzio.” - -He bowed low with deep ceremony. - -“Of course, I am helpless.” And then, “I can only rely on your good -sense and”--here his voice sunk a note lower--“and on your loyalty to -the cause of England.” - -This was the opening that she had been waiting for. She thrust quickly. - -“And if the cause is England’s why didn’t Scotland Yard come to -Ashwater Park?” - -“Dunsinane to Burnam Wood!” he shrugged. “They would have made asinine -mistakes as they always do--the chief of which would have been that of -denouncing Miss Doris Mather as an agent of England’s enemies.” - -The girl tapped her toe reflectively upon the rug. - -“I won’t attempt subterfuge. Of course, I know the contents of that -packet.” - -“You wouldn’t be a woman if you didn’t.” - -“And how it was passed from Captain Byfield to Cyril Hammersley.” This -was a random shot but it hit the mark. Rizzio’s eyes dilated slightly, -but she saw them. - -“Byfield! Impossible.” - -“Not at all. Cyril told me,” she lied. - -“He told you----?” he paused aghast, for now she was laughing at him. - -“No--but you have.” - -His brow tangled and he folded his arms again. - -“Of course, you know the importance to Cyril and Captain Byfield of -keeping such a matter secret.” - -He had not heard! He did not know! She remembered that the subject of -the dreadful news from London had not been reopened and Jack Sandys’ -sources of information were probably semiofficial. - -She controlled her voice with an effort. - -“I would hardly be the one to mention names under the circumstances--since -my own fortunes seem to be involved in the matter, but as for Captain -Byfield, I’m afraid that further secrecy will hardly help him.” - -“What do you mean?” - -“Merely that he was arrested late yesterday afternoon as he was leaving -the War Office.” - -She had not counted on the effect she created. She knew that her last -thrust had put him more carefully on guard, but he could not hide the -sudden intake of breath and the quick searching glance his dark eyes -shot at her. - -“What is your source of information?” - -“Jack Sandys. He came here directly from Downing Street.” - -She saw Rizzio’s lips meet under his mustache in a thin line. - -“So. It has come sooner--than I expected.” - -He got up and paced the floor, his fingers twitching behind his back. -She said nothing, waiting for him to rejoin her. When he did, it was -with a serious expression. - -“I suppose you know what this means to--to Hammersley,” he said in a -low voice. - -Doris sat without moving, but her brain was busy weighing Rizzio. - -“No,” she replied calmly, “I don’t. Won’t you tell me?” - -He leaned forward toward her along the back of their seat, his look and -voice concentrated upon her. - -“Is it possible,” he continued, “that you haven’t realized by this time -exactly what Cyril Hammersley is?” - -“No,” she said staunchly. “I will believe nothing of him unless he -tells it to me himself.” - -He waited a moment, watching her, and fancied that he saw her lips -tremble slightly. Her loyalty to Hammersley inflamed him. He followed -up his advantage quickly. - -“There are reasons why I should dislike to give you pain, greater -reasons why I should be generous with a successful rival, and I have -done what I can to take this matter out of your hands. There is still -time. Will you give me that packet?” - -She shook her head. - -“Then I must speak,” he went on. “My duty demands it, whatever happens -to him--whatever happens to you. Don’t make me go to extremes with you. -I cannot bear to do it. Hammersley is a German spy. Those papers were -to be forwarded to Germany. You are saving them for him, that he may -betray England.” - -“That is not true,” she said chokingly. “I do not believe it.” - -“You must. Isn’t there proof enough in what you have read?” - -“There is some mistake.” - -“No. There can’t be. Your sentiments are blinding you.” - -“One moment, please.” Doris had risen and faced him across the hearth, -a new fire of resolution in her eyes. To Rizzio, the lover of beauty, -she was a mockery of lost happiness. She was Diana, not the huntress -but the hunted. - -“You have told me what Cyril Hammersley is. Now if you please I would -like to know what _you_ are!” - -He paused a moment and then with a step toward her said gently: - -“I think my interests should be fairly obvious. I am acting for the -English Government.” - -“I have only your word for it. Have you any papers that would prove -it--in your card-case, for instance?” - -He started back, his fingers instinctively reaching upward. Then he -shrugged and laughed. - -“You are surely the most amazing person. Unfortunately I have no -documents. I am only doing my duty as a private citizen--a loyal -resident of the Empire.” - -“But not a Briton. Neither am I. We meet on equal terms.” - -“Then you refuse me--definitely, finally.” - -“Yes, I must.” - -“I beg that you will consider carefully the alternatives. If you give -me the papers--silence on my part--safety for Hammersley. If you refuse -to give them up----” he paused. - -“Then what will you do?” she defied him. - -“It would be the most terrible moment of my life--but I will denounce -him--here tonight--tomorrow in London. Those papers must not reach -Germany--even if I have to denounce you, too.” - -“And if I promise that the papers will not reach Germany?” - -He hesitated a moment. - -“There is too much at stake. I can’t take the risk. No woman can be -trusted----” - -“Not even the woman John Rizzio would have made his wife?” - -He moved his shoulders expressively. Her youth and cleverness were -bewildering him. - -“No, that will not do,” he said in desperation. “You must give me the -papers.” - -“I will not. You shall have to take them from me.” - -He leaned toward her along the mantel aware of her dominant loveliness. - -“You would not drive me to that!” - -“Yes. It _is_ a challenge. I offer it. I will fight you, and I am -strong. I have a voice and I will raise an outcry. They will come and -I will tell them. Then you can denounce me? Will you dare?” - -He came toward her while she fled around the davenport, eluding him -with ease. She was swifter of foot than he. He stopped a moment near -the gun-rack to plead. She kept the huge oak lounge between them and -listened by the fire. Something she saw in his eyes decided her, for as -he came forward to leap over the davenport she threw something yellow -toward him. - -He gave a gasp of relief, picked the object up and made a cry of dismay. - -“The cover! I must have the papers,” he cried, coming forward again. - -By this time the girl was standing upright, a poker in one hand, the -thin cigarette papers cramped in the fingers of the other, over the -open fire. - -Rizzio paused in the very act of leaping. - -“Not that,” he whispered hoarsely, “for God’s sake--not that.” - -[Illustration: “‘Not that,’ he whispered hoarsely, ‘for God’s sake--not -that.’”] - -“Stay where you are, then,” said the girl in a low resolute tone. - -Rizzio straightened. Doris still bent over the fire. - -“Give it to me,” he said again. - -“No. England’s secrets shall be safe.” - -“Don’t you understand?” he whispered wildly. “I’ve got to prove that -they are.” - -“I can prove that as well as you----” - -“But you won’t. Hammersley is----” - -He paused and both of them straightened, listening. Outside in the hall -there was a commotion and a familiar voice as the Honorable Cyril, his -face and fur coat spattered with mud, came into the room. - - - - -CHAPTER VII - -AN INTRUDER - - -He looked from one to the other with a quickly appraising eye. The girl -was fingering the lace of her bodice. Rizzio had turned toward the -newcomer recovering his poise. - -“Hope I’m not intrudin’,” said Hammersley, with a laugh. - -“Well, hardly. You’ve come in a hurry.” - -“Yes,” drawled Hammersley. “I missed your train, I think. Too bad. -Jolly slow work travelin’ alone. Stryker picked me up at Edinburgh and -we came on by motor.” - -He took off his fur coat in leisurely fashion and crossing to the -fireplace took Doris’s proffered hand. “You had my note?” he asked -carelessly. - -The girl nodded. “I was glad,” she said. - -“Well, I’m here. Jolly happy, too. Had a narrow squeak of it, though. -Some bally idiot stretched rope across the road over by Saltham Rocks, -but we saw it in time, and went around. Fired a few shots at us, too. -Must have taken me for Rizzio. What?” he laughed. - -Thus directly appealed to, Rizzio smiled grudgingly. - -“You don’t ask me to believe that story, Hammersley,” he said dryly. - -“You don’t have to, Rizzio.” - -The girl’s look was fixed on Hammersley’s face. Suddenly she broke in -with a voice of alarm. - -“Cyril--you’re hurt--and there’s blood on your coat----” - -“Is there? By Jove, so there is--it doesn’t matter. I wouldn’t mind a -peg though--and a cigarette.” - -Doris had started for the door in alarm. - -“Wait!” Hammersley’s voice came sharply. And as she paused, “Ring, -Doris.” - -She understood and touched the button beside the door. - -“We might as well have an understanding before they come, Rizzio,” put -in Hammersley quickly. “Do you prefer to believe my story--or would you -like to invent one of your own?” - -Rizzio shrugged. “As you please,” he said. “It seems that I am _de -trop_ here.” At the door he paused and finished distinctly. “I hope -that your explanations will prove satisfactory.” - -Doris had helped Cyril off with his coat and by the time the maid -brought Betty Heathcote, had cut away the sleeve of his shirt with -Cyril’s pocket knife. It was merely a gash across the upper arm, which -a bandage and some old-fashioned remedies would set right. - -Lady Heathcote heard the story (from which Hammersley eliminated -the rope) with amazement, and was for sending at once for the local -constabulary. - -“Oh, it’s hardly worth while,” said the Honorable Cyril, sipping his -whiskey and water, comfortably. “Poor devils--out of work, I fancy. -Wanted my money. If they’d come to Ben-a-Chielt tomorrow I’d give it to -’em. But I wouldn’t mind, Betty, if you could put me up for the night. -I’m not keen to be dodgin’ bullets in the dark.” - -“Of course,” said Lady Heathcote. “How extraordinary! I can’t -understand--Saltham Rocks--that’s on my place. Something must be done, -Cyril.” - -Hammersley yawned. “Oh, tomorrow will do. Couldn’t catch the beggars -in the dark. Besides, it’s late. Do me a favor, Betty. Don’t let those -people come in here again. I want a word with Doris.” - -He had stretched himself out comfortably on the Davenport, his eyes on -the girl, who still stood uncertainly beside him. - -Lady Betty shrugged, and taking up her basin and lotion moved toward -the door. - -“It’s most mysterious. Are you sure we’re quite safe?” - -“Quite. But I think it might be better if I had the room between yours -and Doris’s.” - -“I was putting John Rizzio there.” - -“Well, change--there’s a dear. And say nothing about it. I--I might -need a new dressing on this thing in the night.” - -She examined him curiously, but he was looking lazily into the fire, -having already taken her acquiescence for granted. - -When she went out, Hammersley sat up and threw his cigarette into the -fire. - -“You have it still?” he whispered anxiously, taking Doris by both hands. - -She nodded. - -“Thank God for that. I seemed to have arrived at the proper moment.” - -“I was about to burn them.” - -He drew a long breath of relief. - -“You know what they are?” - -“Yes. I read them.” - -“I was afraid you would. You have spoken to no one.” - -“No,” proudly. “Hardly. After what I went through.” And, with an air of -restraint, she told him everything. - -He listened, a serious look in his eyes. - -“It was my fault. I should have left them in the machine. I got away -scot free.” - -“Yes, I know. I saw you.” - -“You poor child,” he said softly. “I was desperate. I thought it -necessary. How can I ever thank you?” - -“You can’t.” The tones of her voice were strange. - -“I’d jolly well give my life for you, Doris. You know that,” he said -earnestly. - -“It’s something less than that that I want, and something more--your -word of honor.” - -“My word----?” - -“Yes,” she went on quietly. “To forswear your German kinship and give -me an oath of loyalty to England. Difficult as it is, I’ll believe you.” - -“Sh--!” He glanced toward the door. All the windows of the room were -closed. “He told you that I was a German spy?” he whispered anxiously. - -“You forget that I had proof of that already.” - -He sat up and looked into the fire. “I hoped you wouldn’t read ’em. It -has done no good.” - -“I have no regrets. I will not betray England, Cyril, even for you.” - -He rose and paced the rug in front of her for a moment. Then he spoke -incredulously in a whisper. - -“You mean that you won’t give ’em to me?” - -“I mean that--precisely.” - -“But that is impossible,” he went on, with greater signs of excitement -than she had ever seen in him. “Don’t you realize now that every moment -the things are in your possession you’re in danger--great danger? Isn’t -what you’ve gone through--isn’t this”--and he indicated his arm--“the -proof of it?” - -“Yes,” she said firmly. “But I would rather suffer injury myself than -see you share the fate of Captain Byfield.” - -He started. “Oh, you heard that?” - -“Yes. Jack Sandys is here.” She put her face in her hands in the throes -of her doubts of him and then suddenly thrust out her hands and laced -her fingers around his arm. - -“Oh, give it up, Cyril, for my sake give it all up. Can’t you see -the terrible position you’ve placed me in? If I give these papers to -Jack Sandys they’ll come and take you as they took Captain Byfield. -I’ve kept them for you, because I promised. But I cannot let this -information get to Germany. I would die first. What shall I do?” she -wailed. “What on earth _can_ I do?” - -His reply made her gasp. - -“There’s a fire,” he said quietly. “Burn ’em.” - -Her fingers went to her corsage and her eyes gleamed with a new hope. -She took the crumpled rice-papers out and looked at them. Then in a -flash the thought came to her. - -“You know the information contained in these papers?” she asked in an -accent of deprecation. - -“No,” he replied shortly. “I merely glanced at them.” - -“You hadn’t the chance to study them?” - -“No.” - -Still she hesitated. “But what--what is Rizzio?” - -He walked to the door of the room, opening it suddenly. Then he shut -it quietly and coming back to the fire took the poker and made a hole -between the glowing coals. - -“Burn ’em!” he commanded. - -She obeyed him wonderingly and together they watched the package -of rice-papers flame into a live coal and then turn to ashes. When -the last vestige of them had disappeared, they sat together on the -davenport, Cyril thoughtful, the girl bewildered. - -“What is Rizzio?” she repeated. “He told me that he was an agent of the -English Government.” - -“I can’t tell you,” he whispered hoarsely. “I can’t tell you -anything--even you. Don’t you understand?” - -“No, I don’t. It’s your word against his. I would rather believe you -than him. I want to, Cyril. God knows I want to.” - -“Didn’t I ask you to burn the papers? Didn’t he try to prevent it?” - -“Yes.” - -“Can’t you see? If he were acting for England, it wouldn’t matter what -became of ’em if they didn’t reach Germany.” - -“Oh, I thought of that--but what you have told me bewilders me. Why -should you run away with secrets of England--given you by a traitor -who is about to pay the penalty with--with death? What does it mean? -Why didn’t you take those papers at once to the War Office? Why did -Captain Byfield give them to you? He--a traitor--to you--Cyril! It -is all so horrible. I am frightened. Your danger--Rizzio’s men, -here--tonight--all about us.” - -“If they were English secret service men,” Cyril put in quietly, -“wouldn’t they come here to this house and arrest me in the name of the -law?” - -“Yes. There must be other reasons why they can’t. What is the contest -between you and Rizzio? Tell me. Tell me everything! I will believe -you. Haven’t I kept your trust? If I could do that--for your sake--do -you not think that I could keep silent for England’s sake?” - -Her arms were about his neck, and her lips very close to his, but he -turned his head away so that the temptation might not be too strong for -him. - -“I can’t,” he muttered, “I cannot speak--even to you. I am sworn to -secrecy.” - -She drooped upon his arms and then moved away despairingly. It was the -failure of the appeal of her femininity that condemned him. - -“Oh, you won’t let me believe in you. You won’t let me. It’s too great -a test you’re asking of me. Everything is against you--but the worst -witness is your silence!” - -He stood by the mantel, his head lowered. - -“It is hard for you--hard for us both,” he said softly, “but I can’t -tell you anythin’--anythin’.” He raised his head and looked at her with -pity. She had sunk upon the divan, her head upon her arms in a despair -too deep for tears. - -He crossed and laid his hand gently upon her shoulder. - -“You must trust in me if you can. I will try to be worthy of it. That’s -all I can say.” He paused. “And now you must go to bed. You’re a bit -fagged. Perhaps in the mornin’ you’ll pull up a bit and see things -differently.” - -She straightened slowly and their eyes met for a moment. His never -wavered, and she saw that they were very kind, but she rose silently -and without offering him her lips or even her hand, moved slowly -toward the door. - -He reached it in a stride before her and put his hand upon the knob. - -“There’s one thing more I’ve got to ask.” - -Her look questioned. - -“You must sleep in my room tonight, next to Betty’s. I shall sleep in -yours.” - -Her weary eyes sought his with an effort. - -“You mean you think Rizzio--would still----?” - -She paused. - -“Yes, he thinks you would not give them to me.” And then, with a laugh, -“You wouldn’t, you know.” - -“And if I tell him I have burned them----” - -“He will not believe you.” - -“He would not believe me,” she repeated in a daze. - -“You must do what I ask,” Cyril went on quietly. “I know what is best. -I’ll arrange it with Betty.” He glanced at his watch. “One o’clock. By -Jove! It’s time even for auction players.” - -She promised him at last after a protest on his own account. - -“Nothin’ to worry about,” he laughed. “They may not try anythin’, and -when they find I’m there they’ll bundle out in a hurry.” - -Thus reassured she went out to the drawing-room where the card players -were just rising. Rizzio was nowhere to be seen. Cyril at once took -their hostess aside and told her that Doris was a little upset by the -shooting, asking if Betty would mind letting her take the room next to -her own, so that she could open the door between. - -“Don’t say anything about it, Betty,” he urged. “Just ask her in, won’t -you, when you get upstairs.” - -“And you?” - -“I could do a turn on steel spikes,” he laughed. - -“Your arm?” - -“Right as rain. It’s nothing at all.” - -Doris accepted the situation without a word. Indeed she was numbed -with the fatigue of strained nerves. The swift rush of incident since -Betty’s London dinner, with its rapid alternations of hope and fear, -had left her bewildered and helpless. But it was the interview with -Cyril tonight that had plunged her into the dark abyss of despair. She -had tried so hard to believe in him, but he would do nothing to take -away the weight that had been dragging her down further and further -from the light. A new kind of love had come to her, born of the new -Cyril who had won her over by the sheer force of a personality, the -existence of which she had not dreamed. A short time ago she had wanted -to see him awake--a firebrand--and she had had her wish, for she had -kindled to his touch like tinder. But tonight, in her utter weariness, -it seemed as though her spirit was charred, burnt to a cinder, like -the package of papers in the grate in the gun-room, destroyed, as the -secret message had been, in the great game that Cyril was playing. - -She undressed slowly, listening for any sounds that might come from -the room next door, but the only sign she had of him was the familiar -smell of his pipe tobacco which came through the cracks and key-hole. -A little later Betty Heathcote came in prepared for what she called a -“back hair talk,” but found her guest so unresponsive that at last she -went into her own room and bed. Doris lay for a while watching the line -of light under Cyril’s door, wondering what he was doing and what the -night was to bring forth. One memory persisted in the chaos of the -night’s events. Cyril didn’t know the contents of the papers and yet he -had commanded her to burn them. The thought quieted her, and at last -she saw the light in his room go out, then, after a time, in spite of -her weariness, she slept. - - * * * * * - -She awakened, trembling with terror, listening for she knew not what. -And then as her wits slowly came to her, she was aware of the sounds -which had awakened her. They were suppressed, secret, and strange, but -none the less terrible, the shuffling of feet, hoarse whispers, and the -creaking of straining furniture. She sat upright, slipped to the floor -quickly, and, getting into the dressing-gown at the foot of the bed, -stood for a moment in the middle of the room, her heart beating wildly. -Then with quick resolution she moved swiftly to Betty Heathcote’s room -and, after assuring herself that her hostess still slept, closed the -door softly and passed the bolt. - -Again she hesitated. The sounds from Cyril’s room continued, the hard -breathing of men who seemed with one accord to be trying to keep their -struggles silent. Aware of her danger, but considering it less than the -physical need for immediate action, with trembling fingers she turned -the key and quickly opened the door. - -At first, silence, utter and profound, but full of a terror which a -breath might reveal. - -“Cyril! What is it?” she managed to whisper. - -“Sh--” she heard. And dimly, in the pale moonlight, she made out the -dark blur of figures upon the floor in the corner of the room. - -“Cyril!” she repeated. - -“It’s all right,” she heard in a breathless whisper. “Go back to your -room. It’s nothin’.” - -But having ventured thus far she did not hesitate, and closing the door -behind her came forward. Upon the floor, half against the wall, was the -figure of a man. Cyril was sitting on his legs and holding him with one -hand by the neck cloth. - -“You’re safe?” she whispered. - -“Yes. Go back to bed. Don’t you understand--if anyone came----?” - -“I don’t care.” Her curiosity had triumphed. She leaned forward and saw -that it was John Rizzio. - -“Rizzio!” she whispered. “My room!” - -“I ought to kill him, Doris,” said Cyril savagely, “but I’ve only -choked him a little. He’ll come around in a minute.” And then more -quietly: “Get me a glass of water, but don’t make a fuss, and don’t -make a light. There are men outside.” - -She obeyed, and in a moment Rizzio revived and sat up, Cyril standing -over him, his fist clenched. - -“Oh, let him go, Cyril, please,” Doris pleaded. - -At the sound of the girl’s voice Rizzio started and with Cyril’s help -struggled to his feet. - -“Yes, he’s going the way he came--by the window,” growled Hammersley. -“Head first, if I have my way.” - -Rizzio succeeded in a smile, though he was still struggling for breath. - -“I suppose--I--I must thank you for your generosity, Hammersley,” he -said with as fine a return of his composure as his throat permitted. “I -have been guilty of--of an error in judgment----” - -“I’m sorry you think it’s only that,” said Cyril dryly. “Now go,” he -whispered threateningly, pointing to the window. - -“In a moment--with your permission,” he said, recovering his suavity -with his breath. “In extenuation of this visit, terrible as it seems -to Miss Mather, I--I can only say that if I had succeeded I would -have saved her from remembering some day that she had given England’s -secrets into the hands of the enemy.” - -“You’re mistaken,” said Doris quietly. “I have burned them.” - -“You--you burned them?” - -“Yes--tonight.” - -Rizzio peered at her in silence for a long moment and then shrugged. -“Oh,” he said, “in that case, I have made two errors in judgment----” - -“You’ll make a third, if you’re not out of that window in half a -second,” said Cyril. - -But Rizzio laughed at him. - -“I don’t think it would be wise to make a disturbance----” he said -coolly. “I think Miss Mather will admit my generosity to herself and to -you when I say that I’ve only to raise my voice and have half a dozen -men up here in a moment.” - -Doris clutched him fearfully by the arm, thinking of Cyril. - -“You’d not do that----?” - -Hammersley laughed dryly. - -“There’s no danger,” he said. - -“No,” returned Rizzio with a touch of his old magnificence. “There is -no danger of that--the reasons are obvious.” - -As he moved toward the window Hammersley touched him lightly on the arm. - -“I warn you, Rizzio,” he said in a low concentrated tone, “that you’re -playing a dangerous hand. I should punish you--but other agencies----” - -Rizzio halted. “Yes, other agencies----” he replied significantly. He -bowed in the girl’s direction and sitting on the window-sill he threw -his feet outside. “I bid you good night.” And carefully feeling for his -footing he slowly descended. - -Cyril Hammersley followed him to the window, and Doris took a step in -his direction, when her thinly slippered foot touched something in the -wooden floor--something which slid upon the polished surface from the -shadow into the moonlight. Instinctively she glanced down and then -started--scarcely restraining a gasp. There, unmistakable in the shape -and color for so many hours graven on her mind, was a yellow packet of -Riz-la-Croix cigarette papers. She glanced at Cyril, who was closing -the casement window, then stooped and, picking up the packet, fled -noiselessly into her room and quickly locked the door. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII - -EVIDENCE - - -Inside her own room she stood for a moment tremulously in the dark, -fingering the guilty thing in her hands as she had fingered the other -one--the one she had destroyed. Or hadn’t she destroyed it? For a -moment the thought came to her that Cyril had practiced some trick upon -her when they had knelt before the fire, substituting other papers for -the ones that were to be burned. But that was impossible. The papers -had not touched his fingers. He it was who had made a hole for them -in the fire, but her fingers had thrust the original papers into the -glowing coals. She turned the packet over and over in her fingers, -glancing at the closed door that separated her from Cyril. Another -message! It must be. - -She pulled the curtains at the window and then moving quietly to the -bed, lit the candle on the night-stand. Another packet of Riz-la-Croix, -new like the other, with its tiny thin rubber band. She opened it -quickly and scanned its pages, finding what she sought without -difficulty. The writing was not in the same hand. It was rounder and -less minute, covering in all seven pages, and it was written carelessly -as if the writer had been in a hurry. Cyril’s own handwriting it -seemed. The purport of its message was the same. - -No. She remembered the dates. These were somewhat different. The -names of the regiments were the same, but the dates instead of days -in April and May gave days in the months of June and July. And the -numerals which at first had puzzled her were smaller. For instance, -among “Highland Regiments Foot” the numerals of which she remembered -particularly, instead of 120,000 she saw the numerals 42,000. It was -the same under other headings in the remainder of the items. Under -“shrapnel” there were changes, and under “artillery”---- - -She closed the packet in icy fingers, for the figures swam before her -eyes. They were all true--all the horrible things that she had thought -of Cyril! This was later and more accurate information--the exact -reason for which she did not pretend to understand--and was intended to -follow the previous message--perhaps to be used as a code in connection -with it. Cyril was---- Oh, the dishonor of it! And she had gone to -sleep almost ready to believe in him again--because he had let her burn -the other papers. What did it matter to him whether she burned the -papers when he had other messages to send and had committed to memory -the facts he had let her destroy? He had lied to her. He was false as -Judas and more dangerous, for now she knew that he was desperate as -well as cunning, stooping to any means, no matter how ignoble, to gain -his ends. She had been a mere bauble in his hands, a child upon whose -credulity he had played without scruple. He had used her, the woman he -had said he loved, for his own unworthy ends as he used Betty Heathcote -and her house. She was filled with shame for him and for herself, who -could love something shameful. - -And John Rizzio! Rizzio, Cyril’s enemy, stood for England and right, -and she had permitted herself to see through Cyril’s eyes just as Cyril -had wanted her to see. - -It seemed as she compared them that Rizzio’s nobility attained a firmer -contour. He had come to her room to save her from her own ignorance -and wilfulness, from committing a crime, the greatest of all crimes -against England. Rizzio knew what Cyril was and on her account had -refrained from giving Cyril up to the officers of the law, although -they were within call--even when he felt himself yielding to the fury -of Cyril’s superior physical strength. Not even the spirit of revenge -for the punishment Cyril had given him, not even the humiliation -he had suffered before her eyes had been enough to make him forget -his intention to save, if he could, for the woman who loved him, a -successful rival. And she, Doris, had stood by Cyril’s side warm in -Cyril’s cause, against the one man who held Cyril’s fate as the bearer -of treacherous messages, in his hand. - -There was still danger in the air. The last words of the two men to -each other had been hidden threats of “other agencies,” whatever they -were, and she found herself praying in a whisper that the agency of -England, even if it meant Cyril’s danger, might conquer. O God! It -would have been better, it seemed, if the bullet at Saltham Rocks that -had grazed Cyril’s arm had killed him. That death would at least have -been free from the shame of that which awaited Captain Byfield. - -She gazed with wide eyes at her guttering candle. She was wishing for -Cyril’s death! She shivered with pity for herself and for him and -huddled down in the bed, a very small, very miserable object, seeking -in vain some hope, some rest for her mind amid the torture of her -thoughts. - -Suddenly she started up and sat clutching the yellow packet to her -breast, her gaze fixed on the door into Cyril’s room. Had she heard a -knock? Or was it only imagination? Yes. There it was again. She leaned -over hurriedly and blew out the candle and lay very still, her teeth -chattering with the cold, her body trembling. He was knocking again, a -little louder this time, and she heard his voice through the keyhole -whispering her name. She made no response and feigned sleep. He knocked -again still louder and she heard her name spoken quite distinctly. He -would awaken the house if this went on. When he knocked again she got -up and went over to the door. - -“Doris!” he was saying. - -She answered him. - -“Will you open the door--just a crack?” - -“No,” she whispered. - -“I want to speak to you.” - -“You cannot.” - -“Please.” - -“I’m listening. What do you want to say?” - -“I’ve lost something--something that must have fallen from my pocket.” - -She was silent. - -And then in quick anxious tones: - -“You didn’t see--anythin’--on the floor by the door?” - -“No,” she lied, trembling. “I didn’t.” - -She heard him mutter. - -“You’re sure?” came his voice again. - -“Yes.” - -And then in dubious tones: - -“Oh, very well then. Sorry to have troubled you. Good night.” - -She didn’t reply and stole back through the darkness to her bed, into -which she crept, like some thin wraith of vengeance, biding her time. - -Into bed, but not to sleep. She watched the moonlight grow pale into -the west and saw the first gray streaks of dawn paint the wooded slopes -of Ben Darrah across the valley of the Dorth. In pity for herself and -Cyril she watched the new day born, a new day, bleak and cheerless, -which seemed by its very aspect to pronounce a sentence upon them; -the new day which was to mark the passing of all the things growing -womanhood holds most dear, her first faith, her first tenderness, her -first passion. - -Doris kept to her room until Betty came in, awakening her from a heavy -sleep into which she had fallen just before sunrise. Lady Heathcote -rang for Wilson and then retired to the ministrations of her own maid, -leaving Doris to dress for the morning at her leisure. And when the -girl got downstairs to breakfast she found that the other guests had -preceded her. But Betty Heathcote was still in the breakfast room -picking with dainty fingers at the various dishes upon the sideboard -and making sparkling comment as was her custom on men and things. She -found the disappearance of John Rizzio, bag, baggage and man, from -Kilmorack House without even a line to his hostess both unusual and -surprising, since her guest was a man who made much of the amenities -and forms of proper behavior. Doris commented in a desultory way, -trying to put on an air of cheerfulness, aware of Cyril Hammersley -somewhere in the background awaiting the chance to speak to her alone. -She did not hurry, and when Betty arose sauntered into the library -where the other guests were waiting for the horses to come around. -Twice Cyril tried to speak to her, but she avoided him skillfully, -contriving to be a part of a group where personal topics were not to be -discussed. That kind of maneuvering she knew was a game at which any -woman is more than a match for any man. But she saw by the cloud that -was growing in Cyril’s eyes that he was not in the mood to be put off -with excuses, and realized that the sooner the pain of their interview -was over, the better it would be for both of them. She was dressed in -the long coat and breeches which she wore in the hunting field, and in -her waistcoat pocket was the yellow packet. - -“I’ve got to see you for half an hour alone,” he said at last, taking -the bull by the horns. - -“I shall miss my ride.” - -“They’re taking the long road to Ben-a-Chielt. I’ll take you there in -the motor and send your mount on by a groom.” - -She acquiesced with a cool shrug which put him at once upon his guard, -but Doris had reached a pass when all she wanted was to bring their -relations to an end as speedily and with as little pain as possible. So -that when the others had gone she sank into a chair before the fire, -coldly asking him what he wanted. He stood with his back to the hearth, -his hands clasped behind him, in a long moment of silence as though -trying to find the words to begin. - -“Well?” she asked insolently. - -“What has happened since last night to change you so, Doris?” - -“I’ve had a chance to think.” - -“Of what?” - -“That it was time you and I had an understanding.” - -“I don’t see----” - -“Wait!” she commanded, with a wave of the hand. “There isn’t anything -that you can say that will make me change my mind. Therefore the sooner -this talk is over the better for both of us. I’ve told you and you know -already that my whole soul is wrapped in the cause of England in this -war. I can have nothing but pity and contempt for any Englishman----” - -She paused, for at this moment, the parlor maid appeared and, gathering -up some brasses on Lady Heathcote’s desk, went out of the room. - -“I beg that you will be more careful, Doris,” Cyril whispered. - -She was silent a moment, and then after a glance at the dining-room -door, went on with more restraint. - -“Pity and contempt are hardly the kind of ingredients that love can -live on. They’ve poisoned mine. It’s dead. I don’t want to see you -again,” she finished coldly--“ever. I hope you understand.” - -He bowed his head and for a moment made no reply. - -“I asked----” he said slowly, “I hoped--that you would be willin’ to -trust me--that you’d wait until I was able to speak to you--to explain -the--the things you do not understand.” - -“Unfortunately,” she put in distinctly, “there is nothing that I do not -understand. I know--God help you!--what you are. I have done what I can -to save you from the fate you’re courting--and I shall still do so, for -the sake of--of what once was--was between us. But I do not want to see -you again. I have put you out of my life--completely--as though you -never had been in it. And now,” she rose, “will you let me go?” - -“One moment, please,” he said calmly. “You found those papers last -night?” - -“Yes,” she said coolly. “And if I did?” - -He seemed to breathe more freely. - -“I have nothing to say,” he muttered. - -“Oh,” she said quickly, “I’m glad of that. You don’t deny----?” - -“I deny nothing,” he said with a shrug. “I see that it would be -useless.” - -“I’m glad you give me credit for that much intelligence,” she said -scathingly. “You haven’t done so before.” - -“It was not your intelligence,” he said gently, “so much as your heart -that I had relied upon.” - -“Oh, you thought I was a fool that you could use--indefinitely----” - -“No. I thought you were a woman that I could count on indefinitely.” - -Something in the tone of his own voice made her turn and look at him. - -“A woman--yes, but not an enemy of England.” - -He was silent again, and when he spoke it was not to argue. His voice -was subdued--shamed even it seemed. - -“And now--I suppose you will give the--the papers to Sandys,” he said. - -She examined him closely and pity for him seemed even stronger than -shame. - -“It is a part of our misunderstanding,” she said coolly, “that you -should think so little of me. I have told you that I shall protect you. -My hands shall be clean, if my heart isn’t.” - -“What will you do with the papers?” he asked. - -“This,” and she turned toward him--“burn them.” She put her hand into -her pocket, drew out the papers and went toward the hearth. Her hand -was even extended toward the fire when, with a quick movement, he -snatched the yellow packet from her fingers. - -She fell away from him in dismay, as if she had been touched by -something poisonous, touching her wrist and the fingers into which her -rings had been driven. Then she hid her face in her hands and closed -her eyes. - -“Oh!” she gasped. “You’d pay my generosity--with _this_!” - -He had examined the papers coolly and had put them into his pocket. - -“I? I don’t count in a game like this--nor do you. I’m sorry. They were -mine. You took them. I had to have them.” - -“Then _this_----” she stammered, “_this_ was what you kept me here for?” - -“I had to have them,” he repeated dully. That was all. Her wrist and -fingers burned where he had hurt them. A brute--a coward--as well as a -traitor. She straightened proudly and with a look at his bowed head, -she went by him and out of the room. - -Hammersley stood as she had left him for a moment and only raised his -head when the parlor maid came in again and replaced the brasses on -Lady Heathcote’s desk. In his eyes there came a keen look and he took a -step forward. - -“Do you always clean Lady Heathcote’s brasses on Friday?” he asked the -maid. - -She turned around with a startled air. - -“Oh, yes, sir,” she replied demurely. “Friday, sir.” - -“Oh!” said Hammersley. “Thanks.” - -She stood a moment as if awaiting further questions and then went out. - -Hammersley followed her with his gaze and then with a last look around -the room went into the hall, put on his fur coat and cap and quickly -made his way toward the garage. - -Upstairs Doris paced her room in an agony of rage and humiliation. She -had meant to give him his dismissal kindly, but it was his abjectness -that had made her scornful--abjectness worn as she now knew with an -object that was indifferent to scorn. It was only with the purpose -of getting the papers from her that he had kept her there, and the -contempt that she had shown for him seemed but a piteous thing beside -the enormity of his brutality. He had not cared what she thought of -him. He had not cared. He had said so himself. Their love was a trifle -beside the greater matter that concerned him. - -He had led her on under the guise of a shame he did not feel, from one -revelation to another, playing upon her emotions, upon things, which -should have been sacred even to him in such an hour until with infinite -cunning he had made her bring out the papers--and then---- - -Rage possessed her. She felt that she had been tricked--with weapons -that he should have scorned to use. She hated him at that moment, not -as she hated the secrecy and dishonor of his cause, but as a man who -could take advantage of a woman, as a hypocrite, a coward, a bully. - -She knew the fury of Dido, but she felt the pain of Ariadne too. -She heard the sound of his roadster and ran to the window, peering -dark-eyed through the muslin curtains, and saw him go by under her -windows, low down in his seat, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, -driving fast, Stryker beside him. He passed without even a glance -upward or back--out of her life. It seemed to her that if he had turned -his head just then and given one look at the house even, she could have -forgiven him much, but she watched him until he turned the angle of the -road and was gone. - -Their interview had seemed so brief--in all it seemed scarcely more -than a moment--to have made such a horrible change in her way of -looking at things. If he had protested innocence, fought, if even so -weakly, against her evidence, fought with a man’s strength against -odds the danger of losing the woman he wanted, she could have seen -him go with a calmness born of woman’s inherent right to dismiss. But -this----! Death surely was no worse than for a woman to be spurned by -such a man. - -After a while tears came, and they helped her, tears of anger, if you -will, but tears, soft and humid, in which to a woman there is always -a kind of bitter sweetness, too. She threw herself on her bed in her -riding togs, her mannish coat and mannish boots, eloquent of their own -pretensions. In spite of them and the things they typified she was -merely a very tired little girl, weeping her heart out as other little -girls had done before and will again, because her lover had gone away -from her. - -Toward luncheon time when the others were expected to return she got -up, bathed her eyes and, summoning Wilson, changed into a dress for the -afternoon. Pride came to her rescue now, and with the help of her maid -and the mysterious process with which maids are familiar she managed -to make herself presentable enough to avoid notice from so keen an -observer as her hostess. Doris found herself smiling, and doing her -share of conversation in a mechanical way which left a question in -her mind as to the depth of her own emotions. But the weight about her -heart, the dull echo of reiterated thoughts pervaded all and she knew -that it was merely that her spirit was dulled, her heart numb, like -a nerve from the shock of a blow. She stole away when she could with -a book to the gun-room, where she could sit alone and try to put her -thoughts in order. - - - - -CHAPTER IX - -THE VIKING’S TOWER - - -There in the middle of the afternoon the butler brought her a note. For -a moment before she read the superscription, a wild rush of something -which might have been joy yet could not be, sent a pale flush of color -into her cheek. But she glanced at the envelope carelessly, and when -the man had gone, quickly opened it. - -It was from John Rizzio, signed with the familiar initials and begun -without either name or qualification: - - You will think it strange, perhaps, that I should write to - you after the events of last night, because the modesty of a - woman is the last thing that forgives. My action is beyond - apology and I offer none for fear that it may be construed - into a hope--a selfish hope of an unimaginable forgiveness. - Hope has passed--that with the others, but something else - remains, something less selfish than hope and more vital than - self-interest and that is a whole-hearted wish that your honor - may be kept free from the taint of the dark and furtive things - with which it has come into contact. - - I am not a man, as you know, to boast of disinterestedness. - I have lived a life in which my own affairs were always - paramount, my own aims always most important. I am telling - you this to warn you that my generosity to Hammersley is not - actuated by any love of a man who has spoiled my dearest - ambition, but by the continued esteem with which I still regard - yourself. I do not love him; and my own wish, my duty, my - own honor, my loyalty to England all acclaim that he should - be delivered at once to those in authority. And yet I have - refrained--for you, Doris. But I have learned that H---- is in - communication with G---- and that Crenshaw of Scotland Yard is - on the alert. I may not be able to save him. - - This is an appeal to the one person who has the most influence - with him and I ask that you use whatever power over him you - possess to bring him to a sense of the impossibility of his - mad plans. If you still have doubt as to the character of the - work he has undertaken, I ask that you go to Ben-a-Chielt - tonight and listen secretly to convincing proof of what he is. - For tonight at one o’clock on the cliffs near the old Viking’s - Tower, he will meet a personal messenger from G----. - - I appeal to you for England--but more than for England, - for--yourself. - - Yours, - - J. R. - -Doris read the note through again and again, her thoughts blurring -unpleasantly, like a photograph out of focus. It seemed impossible that -she could do what he asked of her. Every instinct, wounded and sore -from her last encounter, revolted at the thought of meeting Cyril again -under the conditions presented. It was impossible that she should go. -Cyril would only laugh at her or, what would be worse, show her the -callousness and brutality that he had done this morning. Rizzio asked -her to do what she could. Why should she save him? What had he done to -merit such a sacrifice of pride on her part. The past? That was dead -and Cyril buried with it. England? She put her head forward into her -hands and pressed her fingers to her temples. England! - -As the afternoon faded into night the conviction grew in Doris’s mind -that the situation made personal considerations unimportant. After -dinner she excused herself and, dressing warmly, toward twelve o’clock -went downstairs past the library door and out to the stables. She -found a sleepy groom and, giving him a liberal fee as the price of his -silence, had a side-saddle put on a good horse and made her way in the -direction of Ben-a-Chielt. She knew the road well, for she had traveled -it many times with Cyril and Betty during the previous summer when -all the world was gay and she and Cyril were lovers. She was a little -nervous at being alone on the moor in the darkness, but not frightened. -She gave herself greater hardihood by trying to remember that Cyril -and Rizzio were gentlemen, one of whom she had thought she could have -trusted with her life, the other a friend who wanted to be trusted with -it--and now protested he held her honor dearer than his own. Not her -enemies surely; and the thought of physical harm from either of them, -the only thing that could have deterred her from this midnight venture, -did not occur to her. But as she came to Saltham Rocks, the scene of -Cyril’s last night’s encounter, she pressed forward more rapidly with a -keen eye upon the gray blur of the road. She reached the cross-roads, -her breath coming a little more rapidly, pulled her horse down to a -walk and turned in upon Cyril’s property, going forward more slowly. -Until the present moment she had formulated no plan of action, nor had -counted upon the possibilities of discovery, so she rode cautiously, -making a long detour across the moor to avoid the lights of one of -the keepers’ houses which stood upon the road. She found that she -had to choose her way among the rocks and whins, but her horse was -sure-footed, and at a walk there was little danger of a cropper. She -kept the road in sight and by the fitful light of the stars, between -the rack of mist and clouds that were coming in from the sea, she made -her way in the general direction of the Lodge. On her right she had -glimpses of the sea beyond the cliffs and heard the pounding of the -surf upon the rocks and shingle. The Viking’s Tower was up among the -rocks near Beaufort Head, half a mile beyond the house. She had been -there with Cyril many times, and from the ruined wall had sat with -him and looked out over the North Sea, while he had told her in his -sportive vernacular the story of the tower and of the “Johnnies” who -had built it. It was difficult to identify that Cyril now with the man -of mystery lurking out here somewhere in the dark, his mind set on the -odious business of betraying his country. - -The Lodge was set inland from the sea in a valley between two ridges -which narrowed down to a fissure in the rocks that fell away to -Beaufort Cove, a small harbor almost land-locked where Cyril kept his -motor-boats and sloop. As the girl approached the Lodge, she turned -far to the left and made a wide circle among the hills, so that there -could be no chance of inquisitive eyes discovering the bold silhouette -of her horse against the sky. Slowly she climbed the lower ridges of -Ben-a-Chielt until she reached a level spot, high above the house, -garage, stables and hangar, where she stopped for a moment to rest her -winded horse. - -Below her a wild panorama of land and wind-blown sky, the ragged -profile of black rocks etched deep into the sullen gray of the sea. -Seen from this height the contours were unfamiliar to her and the -purpose of her grim visit gave the grim vista a dramatic significance -that was almost theatrical. Long lines emerged from the dark blur -of sea and sky and roared in upon the rocks that guarded the harbor -upon which they were shivered into foam. Inside the rim of rocks the -placid cove calmly reflected the sky. She saw the motor-boats near the -landing, made out the specter lines of Cyril’s sloop, the _Windbird_, -and in the shadow of the cliffs saw another vessel, the lines of which -were unfamiliar. This craft was long and slender with a wireless mast -and two large smoke-stacks. No lights showed aboard of her, but there -were signs of activity, for while the girl looked a small boat was -lowered and was pulled for the landing; and suddenly the real meaning -of this dark vessel was borne to her. There was no mistaking the grim -profile of the thing that projected from the forward superstructure -and the curving decks which met the water in such slender lines. It -was a war-vessel, a destroyer, and the man who was putting out for -the shore was the German messenger who was to meet Cyril Hammersley -at Ben-a-Chielt. She trembled and clung to the pommel of her saddle. -The brief joyous moments that had come to her at intervals during the -evening as she thought of the inflections of Cyril’s voice, of the -weary look she had seen in his eyes, and hoped that even tonight he -might be able to justify himself in her own thoughts at least were -engulfed in the damning conviction of what she saw before her. John -Rizzio had told her the truth. How he had learned what was to happen, -she did not know or care, but the accuracy of his information was no -longer a matter to doubt. - -She looked around her in the darkness toward the way by which she had -come, really frightened for the first time that evening as at the -palpable presence of sin. For a moment she hesitated in her intention -to go forward. She had seen enough to convince her. There was no need -of more. But the real object of her mission nerved her to her task. -She must go on at once if she wished to reach the Tower in time to -conceal herself. So she pressed her horse along the hill, and when she -had crossed the ridge rode down in a path parallel to the edge of the -cliffs, which brought her after a while into a line with Beaufort Head, -where she could see the dim mass of the ruin rising above the chaos of -rock that surrounded it. - -When she reached a spot not too far distant, she dismounted in a -clump of bushes and fastening the bridle of her horse to the gnarled -limb of a stunted tree, crept forward on foot. The excitement of the -venture and its possible consequences now gave her renewed strength and -caution. Moving to the left, toward the northern side of the Tower, -she clambered over the rocks toward the sea. There should be plenty of -time to reach a place of concealment before the occupant of the boat -had time to climb the steep and tortuous path from the landing, and -peering from side to side, pausing from time to time to listen, she -reached the shadow of Table Rock, a huge slab of granite which had been -tossed by some convulsion of Nature upon the very summit of the Head. -The physical contours of the place made her approach an easy one, for -the cliffs were strewn with bowlders and it was easy to slip from one -to another without detection. - -Assured that the spot that she had reached was as near the Tower as -she dared approach for the present, she wedged herself into a crevice -between two rocks, into which she might pass and go out by the other -side, and sank down upon her knees and waited. The moments passed -slowly. Where was John Rizzio? Would Cyril never come? She had a moment -of horror in the thought that the German messenger might come and -discover her before Cyril arrived. What would he do to her? Kill her, -of course. And in a panic of sinking nerves she thought of getting to -her feet and fleeing into the friendly darkness from which she had -come. She had even risen and her head was just below the level of the -top of her refuge when she heard footsteps close by and got the odor -of a cigarette. So she sank back, her hand at her heart to quiet its -throbbings. - -The footsteps passed her, returned and then went toward the Tower -and she bared her head and peered cautiously out. A tall figure in -a long coat and deer-stalker cap was standing watching the path to -the landing. She could not see his features, but she knew that it -was Cyril. For one moment she thought of running to him and throwing -herself at his feet and pleading with him while there was still time -to go away into the darkness--with her--anywhere before this stranger -should reach him. But her courage failed her and she sank back into -her corner. And when she straightened again her moment had passed, for -she heard other footsteps to her right of a man as he clambered up the -rocks. He passed quite near her, a burly man in a naval cap and coat, -out of breath from his exertions. - -Cyril came forward to meet him, and she heard the short words of their -greeting. - -“Herr Hammersley?” - -“Ja.” - -She peered out and saw the burly man straighten, his heels together, -and touch his fingers to the rim of his cap. Cyril bowed and asked a -question and the other replied in a sentence that contained the word -“_Hochheit_,” which was the only word she understood. She crept a -little closer so that she could hear more distinctly, hoping that her -slight knowledge of German might aid her. She watched Cyril to see if -he passed anything to the German officer. Instead of this the German -took a letter from an inside pocket and handed it to Cyril, and she -heard the words “_Hochheit_” again and “_Excellenz_”--a message it -seemed from some prince, or from some general or high official of the -German Government. Cyril appeared to offer apologies and broke the seal -of the envelope, bringing from the pocket of his overcoat an electric -torch, by the aid of which he read the letter. Doris could see his face -quite plainly in the reflected light from the page, and marked the deep -lines at his brows and the stern look at his mouth and chin. He went -over the document twice very carefully, and then as he turned to his -companion she heard his voice saying quite distinctly in German: - -“You know the purport of this paper?” - -“No, Herr Hammersley,” said the officer. “My orders are merely to -deliver this letter which was to receive your acceptance.” - -Cyril paused for a long moment, tapping the document lightly with his -finger and then taking a pencil from his pocket bent over and upon -the nearest rock wrote something. Then he slipped the letter into its -envelope and handed it to the other, who put it into his pocket, -saluted again and with a hurried farewell turned down the path and was -gone. - -That was all. The interview had not lasted more than five minutes, -but Doris knew by the look she had seen on Cyril’s face that danger -threatened. The letter had contained a command, a command from a German -officer of high rank to Cyril Hammersley--a spy receiving his orders -from the government he served. If he had gone back to the Lodge at -this moment she would have let him go past her without a word, for the -bitterness came back into her heart and engulfed all purpose. She sat -in her place of concealment, peering out at him, fascinated. He moved -nearer and then stood, his feet braced on the rocks, gazing down the -path by which his midnight visitor had disappeared. How long he stood -there motionless she could not know, but as the moments passed and he -did not move, she rose from her cranny, her trembling nerves seeking an -outlet in motion or speech. Why didn’t he move? - -At last her overtaxed nerves could no longer endure and she came out -of the shadow and spoke his name. Still he made no motion, and she -realized that her lips had made no sound. But her foot touched a small -stone, which fell among the rocks, and she saw him wheel around and -face her quickly, something glittering in his hand, while his voice -rang sharply. - -“Stand where you are!” - -He took a few threatening steps toward her, his look studying her small -bulk. - -“It’s I, Cyril,” she said faintly, “Doris.” - -“You!” He glanced to right and left, putting the thing in his pocket -and faced her, incredulous. “What are you doing here, Doris?” - -“I came to--to see you again----” - -His eyes were still searching the darkness around them. - -“Who told you to come here?” - -“No one,” she lied. “I followed you.” - -“Who saw you come? You heard?” - -“Yes----” slowly. “O Cyril--I can’t let you go from me like this----” - -She put her face to her hands and felt his arms enfold her. She -trembled, but in this weakness a new kind of strength came to her. “I -want you to come with me away--away from all this--for me--for England. -It’s my last appeal--you must not refuse it. I--I want you so, Cyril, -as it used to be.” - -She felt his lips gently touch her brow and heard his whisper, - -“God bless you!” - -She clung to him desperately, to his caress, the one sure symbol of his -purity---- - -“I love you, Cyril,” she murmured, “I can’t help it. I’ve tried not to. -But you couldn’t kiss me like this, reverently, if you did not love me -well enough to forget everything else. Say you do, dear.” - -“I love you,” he whispered again. “But you must not stay here. You -must----” - -“Doesn’t it mean something to you that I came,” she went on breathlessly, -“that I could forget--what happened--that the love that was in my heart -for you was greater than my hatred of what you are? I came so that you -could know it by the difficulty, the danger that I ran. I don’t care -what others may think of me. The only thing that matters is to have you -again. You don’t know what it cost me to come. I am not the kind to be -held so lightly, Cyril. I have forgotten my pride, even my sense of what -is fitting for a girl to do, in the hope that you will listen to me.” - -“Yes,” he murmured, “but not now, Doris. You must go back.” - -“Not yet----” she protested. - -“I--I have much to do----” he said. - -“That messenger--O Cyril--you mustn’t. Come back with -me--tonight--now----” - -“I can’t,” he muttered. “It--it is important for me to stay here----” - -She loosened his arms and stood away from him, peering down into the -cove where clouds of black smoke were belching from the funnels of the -black vessel. The water of the cove was churning in its wake and its -prow was turning toward the harbor mouth. - -Suddenly she saw Cyril start and peer around him in the darkness. - -“Who sent you here?” she heard his voice in a strangled whisper at her -ear. - -“No one,” she denied again, “I followed you.” - -“That isn’t possible, Doris,” he said quickly. “I have reasons for -knowing. You were here before I came. Rizzio told you---- He knew what -was to happen--he was the only one who could have known.” - -“Why?” Her curiosity sent all subterfuge flying. She could see his pale -face in the moonlight. - -“Because it was Rizzio who sent this messenger to meet me.” - -“Rizzio!” The mystery was deepening. “I can’t understand.” - -He hesitated a long moment before replying, as though weighing -something in his mind. - -“I’ll tell you this much,” he said at last. “You’ve a right to know. -Rizzio told you that he was an agent of the English Government. It’s -my word against his. You can believe me or not if you like. Rizzio is a -spy of Germany!” - -“Impossible! John Rizzio----” she whispered aghast. - -He laughed. - -“The pot callin’ the kettle black--what? It’s the truth.” - -“But Rizzio! What object would he have in betraying England? A man of -his position!” - -“That’s the kind of men England’s enemies want,” put in Cyril dryly. - -“But he has no need of money. Not money. Impossible!” - -“No, not money. There are other things that John Rizzio values more -than money.” - -“What?” - -He caught her by the arm impressively to make his meaning clear. “You -don’t know the passion of collectors. They would sell their souls for -the things they want. The things that seem impossible are the things -they want the most.” - -“But I don’t understand.” - -“After the war Rizzio is to be permitted to ‘buy’ Rubens’s ‘Descent -from the Cross’ from the German Government.” - -“Oh!” she gasped in horror. A new idea of the terrible possibilities of -duplicity was borne to her. But she couldn’t believe. - -“How do you know this?” she asked. - -He laughed. - -“It’s one of the things I stopped in London to find out.” - -“Then you----” - -“I am a German spy.” - -“I don’t believe you,” she cried proudly. There was a note of joy in -her voice, a momentary note which seemed to trail off into one of -terror. “Cyril!” she whispered. “Rizzio! He wrote me to come here.” - -“I knew it.” - -“But he said he----” she hesitated. “Why did he want me to come? There -must have been some other reasons besides wanting me to see--he’s here, -Cyril--somewhere----” - -Hammersley started and turned, his hand in his pocket, and Doris -followed his look. Three men had risen from among the rocks toward the -Tower. - -“Don’t move, Hammersley,” said Rizzio’s voice. “You’re in danger, -Doris.” - -But the girl was clinging to Cyril’s arm. “No, no,” she was crying. -Several shots rang out as Cyril threw her aside, dashing forward. One -of the men seemed to stumble among the rocks and fall heavily. The -other came in toward Cyril, his arm raised, but another shot from -behind the rocks made him pause, twist half around, his hand to his -shoulder as Cyril caught him a blow which sent him reeling to the edge -of the cliff, over which he hung for a moment, peering downwards in -horror, and then disappeared from view. - -“Well done, Stryker,” she heard Cyril cry. “The other--this way. Don’t -let him get off.” - -And Stryker disappeared after Rizzio. - - - - -CHAPTER X - -THE YELLOW DOVE - - -In a daze Doris saw Cyril bend over the prostrate figure and then come -toward her. - -“Dead?” she whispered in horror. - -But he didn’t seem to hear her. He caught her by the arm and forcibly -led her inland. - -“Dead!” she whispered again. “It might have been you.” - -“Or you,” she heard him say sharply. - -“Me?” - -“Yes. But it’s my fault. I should have guessed.” - -“John Rizzio would kill _me_. Oh, it’s unbelievable!” - -“You know too much.” He gave a short laugh. “Far too much for your -own good--or mine.” He caught her suddenly by both arms and made her -look straight into his eyes. “Doris, you’ve seen nothing, you’ve heard -nothing tonight. Do you understand?” - -His grasp on her arms hurt her but she bore it without a murmur. - -“Yes,” she said. - -“You swear it?” - -“Yes,” faintly, “I do.” - -“I’ve got to go away from Ben-a-Chielt tonight. I can’t tell you why. -You’ve got to go straight to Kilmorack House now. You rode over. Take -the short cut by Horsham Hill. It’s not so well known. I would go with -you but I haven’t a moment to spare. Don’t trust anyone--not even the -maids at the house. Go back to London tomorrow with Jack Sandys and -don’t let him leave you until you’re safe at Ashwater Park. Where’s -your horse?” - -She told him and followed blindly. - -“Where are you going, Cyril?” she pleaded. - -“It doesn’t matter.” - -He found the horse and untied the bridle. - -“Tell me, Cyril. I’ve earned the right to know.” - -“Something has happened,” he said quietly, “which has put all my plans -in danger----” - -“And you?” - -“Yes. The thing I’ve been trying to do may fail. It hangs or falls by -this issue.” - -“But what--what?” - -“You can’t know that,” he said quickly. “Don’t ask me anything more. I -can’t answer. But trust in me if you can. Trust in me, Doris, and if -you love me--_silence_!” - -He gave her a lift into the saddle and kissed her hand. Then he looked -around him and gave a parting injunction. - -“Now cut sharp off to the right in the darkness until you strike the -old sheep trail. You can see it quite plainly in the heather. Follow it -to the head of the ridge, then take the road to Horsham Hill. Good-by -and God bless you.” - -A sob rose in her throat and she could only wave a hand in reply. And -so she left him standing there alone gazing after her with bared head -in the darkness. The strain on her nerves had told on her and she sat -her side-saddle listlessly holding on by the pommel, and peering into -the darkness before her, with eyes that saw nothing but pictures of -death. She could not forget the wounded man grasping at space as he -tottered on the rim of the rocks. Cyril had killed a man. War! She had -thought war a more glorious thing. This seemed very like murder. She -blessed God for Stryker who had come so opportunely. Rizzio had tried -to kill Cyril. In horror she had seen him raise his pistol and aim, -but at her cry he had missed his shot and with the disabling of his -confederates he had fled. - -Rizzio was a German spy. Then since they were enemies of course Cyril -was loyal--playing a part to deceive the enemy--learning its secrets -that England might profit by them. The message! What was the message -that the German naval officer had brought which had so disturbed Cyril? -What was this mysterious duty of Cyril’s which meant so much to his -cause, the success or failure of which hung by a thread? She tried to -think what Cyril could do in England and after a time the thing began -to come to her. Cyril was acting for England. He had succeeded, in -the guise of a German secret agent, in finding the traitor in the War -Office, and it was Cyril who had caused the arrest of Captain Byfield. -Rizzio, too, was a German spy who for some reason or other had been -sent--O God--that was it. The Germans suspected Cyril and had used John -Rizzio to put him to the test--had set a thief to catch a thief. Cyril -had found that the message was a dangerous one--and had refused to give -it up to Rizzio. That seemed to explain everything--Cyril’s willingness -to have her burn the papers, Rizzio’s anxiety to save them, that he -might send them to his employers. The second packet of papers? A false -message, prepared for a purpose which Cyril was to fulfill. The German -naval officer! His message--what was it? Imagination refused to aid -her. She could not understand. He brought a command--a test of Cyril’s -loyalty to Germany perhaps? Was that it? And if so, what? A test which -meant victory or defeat--that was what Cyril’s last words had meant. -Victory or defeat--life or death. It was a desperate game that he was -playing. And what was he going to do tonight that made it necessary for -him to leave her to ride to Kilmorack House alone? - -Bewildered and weary with excitement and much thinking, she gave it up, -and as in a daze set her mind to the task of finding the way to Horsham -Hill. She rode on inland searching for the old sheep trail as Cyril had -described it to her, but as the minutes went by and she did not find it -she began to think that she must have passed it in the darkness. She -had ridden at a walk for hours it seemed, keeping as she thought in a -direction which would surely lead her to a road toward the Hill, but -she realized now that she was lost on the moor and that it might be -morning before she would find her way to Betty Heathcote’s. She stopped -her horse and peered in every direction. Nothing but the undulations of -the moor, hill and dale, a dead tree outlined against the sky, masses -of rock uncouth in form, bushes which whispered in the wind, the babble -of a tarn somewhere behind her, though she had not remembered passing -it. There were no lights in any direction, none even from the heavens, -for the stars had gone out. After a long while she wondered vaguely -what time it was. She had no watch, but it seemed that a paleness like -that which precedes the dawn had spread along the sky--though it hardly -seemed possible it could be so late as that. Three--four o’clock she -thought it might be--perhaps later. The one thing that now seemed to -persist in her mind was the hope that Wilson had obeyed orders and -kept Lady Heathcote in ignorance of her absence. - -She was startled by her horse which, without moving, had stretched his -neck and whinnied loudly. He, too, had realized the aimlessness of -their wanderings and wanted the warm stalls at the Kilmorack stables. -Doris tried to think what was best to do. All sense of direction was -gone and she was beyond even the sound of the sea. At last she decided -to try a slight eminence and see if she could make out the bulk of -Ben-a-Chielt, but a mist had fallen, and when she reached the height -she was no wiser than before. Fortunately, it was not cold, and if she -did not fall from the saddle in utter weariness, daylight would show -her a way. She got down from her horse and, fastening him to a bush, -walked to and fro to keep awake, waiting for the day, for at sunrise -she could make her way toward the east until she reached the coast, -after which by following the cliffs to the right she would reach the -Lodge, and from there the way to Kilmorack House. - -She had grown accustomed to the silences and now and then paused in -her pacing to stop and listen. She thought she heard a sound different -from the others--behind her it seemed, a subdued murmur, which, as she -listened, grew in intensity until she clearly made it out to be the -quick reverberations of a motor, running with its cut-out open. It was -coming fast, and in a moment a long fan of light shot across the sky -from below the brow of a distant hill and then fell suddenly to earth, -where it picked out the shapes of trees and bushes along what appeared -to be its road. The motor was not traveling toward her, but at an angle -which would make it pass near her, but quickly as she mounted and -rode toward it she was unable even to come within earshot before the -machine had passed and was lost to sight in the distance. It had not -gone by so rapidly that Doris had not been able to make out on a rise -of ground against the sky the profile of a roadster and the shapes of -two men. Cyril and Stryker! There could be no doubt of it, for the -body of Cyril’s car was familiar to her and the chances of any other -machine being abroad in this locality at this hour were remote indeed. -Where were they going? In which direction? Toward Saltham Rocks or -northward? She did not know, but decided to take the chance and follow. -She reached the road without difficulty--a trail it appeared to be with -well-defined wheel tracks and the marks of hoofs. She pressed her horse -onward in the wake of the speeding machine, not to overtake it, but to -reach a destination of some sort which would be better than the utter -loneliness of the desolate moor, the silence and inaction of which made -her a prey to unhappy thoughts. Her horse was willing, and as the going -was good broke into a brisk trot which for a while kept the glow of the -swinging searchlight of the machine in sight. But presently that, too, -disappeared and all was as before. And glancing above she understood. -To her right a pale streak of light was showing along the horizon, and -above her between patches of dark clouds she caught a faint reflection -of violet light. It was the beginning of the dawn. - -Dawn on her right--that meant the east. She was riding north, then. -North--and to what destination? She had ridden this road with Cyril, -but never to its end, which as she knew was among the unhospitable -crags of Rudha Mor, a wild spot unfrequented by any except Cyril’s -gamekeepers. What was Cyril’s errand in the night to such a place when -everything that had happened would seem to indicate the necessity for -his immediate return to London? The same kind of curiosity that had -made her open the package of cigarette papers against Cyril’s wishes, -stimulated her to follow this quest to its end. She forgot that she -had had no sleep all night, and little the night before. Of physical -weariness now she seemed to have none, and in the growing light she -urged her tired horse forward into a hard gallop which covered the -miles swiftly. She came to the cliffs and saw the sea, passed inland -again. The going was rougher here, less turf and more rocks and whins, -while to her left the hills were split by crags which protruded in -fantastic shapes, like heads of prisoned monsters of the underworld -which had forced their way up through the crust of the earth to the -light of day. It was curious. The trail was well worn here as it had -been before, and there were signs of much hauling. What was going on -at Rudha Mor? The place could not be far distant, for she saw that the -road wound up the rocks and fell away rapidly into a deep gorge, the -further side of which she could see, dimly colored with the opalescent -tint of the East. This she thought must be nearly the end of her ride. -She did not know what was in store for her and was doubtful as to her -wisdom, but she was eaten with curiosity, and dismounted, led her horse -slowly to the lip of the gorge and peered over. What she saw made her -gasp. She drew quickly back, tethered her horse to a bush and came -forward again. Near by, under a shed built on the brink of the cliff, -was Cyril’s roadster, but of Cyril and Stryker she saw no sign. Beneath -her feet the cliffs fell away rapidly by easy steps, down which she -marked a well-worn footpath. The bottom of the gorge was of rock and -sand shelving gradually toward the sea and fairly in its middle, built -strongly of rough lumber, she saw a shed with wide doors which even -now were open--a large hangar from which as she looked several figures -wheeled forth a huge aëroplane--to a platform of planks which extended -for a long way toward the sea. From a distance it was difficult to -judge its measurements, but by comparison with the heights of the men -Doris knew that she had never seen a machine so large. As the east -grew lighter she could see Cyril plainly. He came out of the hangar -dressed in leather, gave some orders which made the other figures hurry -and a series of deafening explosions from the engine as they “tuned -it up,” gave Doris a sense of immediate departure. For a while she -watched, fascinated, her interest in the size of this huge toy and -its possibilities making a separate mind-picture which superseded all -those that had gone before. But as the light grew stronger and she -made out the color of the wide yellow planes, she started up with a -cry which would have been heard by the men below her had it not been -for the racket that the engine was making. “A huge machine with yellow -wings,” she remembered Jack Sandys’ description, “a thousand horsepower -at least.” The Yellow Dove--this was the Yellow Dove and the man of -mystery, its driver, was--Cyril. - -Spellbound and trembling with excitement, she watched Cyril climb up -into one of the seats. Cyril was going to fly to the Germans, she knew -it now, to obey the commands which had been brought last night by the -German officer, commands to come to Germany and explain his failure -to deliver his secret message to Rizzio. They suspected him and -yet he was going to face them. It was desperate, foolhardy, insane. -He would never come back. Not victory, but death--that was what it -meant. She ran out to the very edge of the rocks, shrieking his name, -but the sounds were lost in the fearful din of the motor below. The -explosions echoed and reëchoed in the gorge which seemed to quiver -with the volume of sound. Not a head from below was turned up to look -at her and she had a sense of her own unimportance in the immensity of -Cyril’s viewpoint. She saw the yellow machine start slowly down the -incline, gathering momentum as it ran until it left the runway and rose -magnificently, its engine roaring steadily, clearing the surf and rocks -and heading straight into the growing day. - -O God! That she should have suspected him of anything base and -dishonorable--a man who could face death as he was doing, as he had -been doing for months. Cyril--the Yellow Dove. There could be no doubt -of it, for she had seen with her own eyes. She understood now many -things that had been a mystery before; why he could not speak to her; -the reasons for his occasional absences, for his air of indifference, -for his coolness in the face of adverse criticism. She understood -about John Rizzio and the reasons why Cyril had wanted her to take -such precautions in getting safely back to Ashwater Park, precautions -which she had disregarded. But what mattered about her when Cyril every -day, every hour for months had taken chances against death, the most -ignominious death of all! - -Her heart was big with pride in him and she followed the Yellow Dove -with her gaze, now rising high and diminishing rapidly in the mist, her -soul in her moist eyes and on her lips which were whispering words -that she hoped could follow him into the distance. Her Cyril, still -hers, and England’s--the Honorable Cyril whom the world had come to -know as the Yellow Dove. - -[Illustration: “Her lips ... were whispering words that she hoped could -follow him into the distance.”] - -She stood in the shelter of the rocks, for she knew now in which way -her duty to Cyril lay, and waited until the aëroplane was but a speck -against the sky, when she turned with a sigh which was almost a gasp of -weariness and walked slowly toward her horse. The ride before her was -long, but by good riding she might still reach Kilmorack House before -Lady Betty’s guests were up. Otherwise her reputation was gone. She -knew that, for she could make no explanation of any kind. On that she -was---- - -Quick footsteps behind her--her arms caught from behind--a glimpse of -a strange face and then something white over her head--a pungent odor -and--unconsciousness. - - - - -CHAPTER XI - -VON STROMBERG - - -In the Taunus range north of the Schwartzwald, lies the village of -Windenberg, on the slopes of the well-wooded hills that lead by slow -stages to higher elevations of the Grosser Feldberg. In the valleys are -vineyards, orchards, chestnut and almond-groves and in times of peace, -the people are contented, well-to-do and industrious. The schloss of -the Counts von Winden stands upon an eminence and looks down upon a -rolling country of velvety woods extending for miles along the slope of -the range. In this region of firs and beech trees one might walk for -miles off the roads without coming upon a sign of human habitation, or -indeed without passing the boundaries of the von Winden estate. - -But three miles from Winden Schloss well hidden among the hills was a -spot of cleared land containing perhaps two hundred acres which had -been once used by the von Winden family as a farm, but had been taken -since the beginning of the war by the State for purposes of its own. -A good road led to Windenberg five miles away through the forest, but -much secrecy attached to Blaufelden, as the place was called. Men of -the Imperial Forest Service kept guard upon all the roads, and no one -but those having official permission were allowed to come within two -miles of the place. - -A visit would have soon explained the reasons for this extraordinary -care on the part of the men in uniform, for not far from the house and -stables, unobtrusive buildings of brick and stone, were aviation sheds, -a well-supplied garage and storage houses, which indicated at almost -any hour of the day or night a military activity. - -Within the farmhouse of Blaufelden, rather late in a night in March a -tall iron-gray figure, slender, buttoned to the neck in a close-fitting -uniform coat, paced slowly up and down. A plain wooden table stood -in the center of the room. It was lighted by a lamp with a green -shade and covered with papers arranged in orderly piles. There were -chairs, strongly but simply made, and a sad-colored rug, and the walls -were decorated with pictures of hunting scenes, while over the stone -fireplace in which the pine logs intermittently blazed, there was a -colored lithograph of the Emperor of Germany. It was the kind of room, -and the kind of furniture one would expect to find in any of the rural -districts of the great empire, with the one difference that nowhere -was there visible the touch of a woman’s hand. Whatever its original -purpose the room at the present moment contained only the essentials of -the barest comfort. And the figure of the man in uniform, erect, silent -and austere, completed the impression which the barrack-like simplicity -of his surroundings created--order, cleanliness, efficiency expressed -in the simplest terms. - -The German officer stopped pacing the room and touched a bell upon -the table. His brows were furrowed and his broad capable hands tapped -impatiently among the documents. His summons was answered almost -immediately by a man in the uniform of the Jägers, the Imperial Forest -Service, who stood silently his heels together awaiting orders. - -“There has been no word?” asked the officer in German. - -“None, Excellenz.” - -“You stationed your men as I directed?” - -“Yes, Excellenz----” - -The officer paused. And then, “Send Herr Hauptmann von Winden the -moment he arrives.” - -The man saluted, wheeled and went out, closing the door noiselessly -behind him. The tall figure regarded the door fixedly for a moment -in deep thought, and then tapped the back of his left hand with the -fingers of his right, a habit he had when things were not going to -his liking. General Graf von Stromberg, Privy Councilor to the German -Emperor and head of the military sections of the Secret Service, was -not a person accustomed to have things go wrong, and delay of any kind -annoyed him exceedingly. - -But the door of the room opened and a young officer in uniform appeared -and stood awaiting the will of his superior. He was blond, ruddy and -well set up and bore all the marks of the army training--a member -beyond doubt of the military caste with something in the clearly cut, -if somewhat arrogant, features of his face which suggested good blood -and lineage. - -“Ah, Herr Hauptmann!” said the General, frowning. “You have heard?” - -“Yes, Excellenz. He should be here by midnight.” - -“What was the cause of the delay?” - -“He was forced to come down at Ostend, yesterday. It has taken him all -day to make repairs. He is on the way now.” - -Von Stromberg grunted and sank into his chair at the table, motioning -the younger officer into one beside him. - -“Come, sit down. Let’s forget that we are parts of the intricate -machinery of State. Here is a cigar. Smoke. It will do you good.” - -Von Winden, flattered by this mark of condescension, obeyed. - -“You are glad?” von Stromberg asked. - -“Yes, Excellenz. I am glad. It is not the kind of thing one wants to be -worried about--one’s own flesh and blood. But I knew there must have -been a mistake.” - -General von Stromberg puffed his smoke toward the ceiling and stretched -his long legs upon the floor. - -“It is very curious. I am not sure that I understand. Herr Rizzio is a -careful man and he has much at stake. Why should your cousin Hammersley -have refused to take cognizance of his credentials?” - -“He had doubtless good reasons of his own. But since he will soon be -here he will answer your questions himself. The fact that he comes at -all, Excellenz, should be proof of his loyalty.” - -“Yes,” said the General thoughtfully. “That should be true. One doesn’t -thrust one’s head into the lion’s mouth for the mere pleasure of -examining his teeth. Who sent this message?” - -“General von Betzdorf.” - -“There were no other wireless communications?” - -“None, Excellenz. But Stammer should reach Wilhelmshaven tonight.” - -The General smoked silently for a moment, and then: - -“Herr Hammersley’s mother was a Prussian?” - -“Yes, Excellenz, a sister of my mother----” - -“Yes, I remember now. Von Eppingen----” the General muttered, his -brows wrinkled. And then, “You saw much of your cousin?” - -“For a while he went with me to the gymnasium, then to the University -of Heidelberg. He has come over each year and shot with me here at -Windenberg.” - -“You are fond of him?” - -Von Winden shrugged. - -“He is my relative. We have always got along. I should not have cared -to find that he was a traitor.” - -The General smoked silently, his gaze on the fire. - -“But his father was an Englishman, Graf von Winden. We can’t forget -that. Tell me. You have known him always. What was his attitude at the -University? Did he show a real affection for German life and customs? -In short was he ever able to forget that half of him was English?” - -Udo von Winden pulled at his small blond mustache thoughtfully. - -“I can only say that he was quieter than most of us. But he was -popular. He was a member of the Saxe-Borussia and represented the Corps -on the Mensurboden against Suevia and Guestphalia. A Prussian for all -that any of us knew-- Prussian of Prussians.” - -“His father died when he was quite young, I believe?” - -“Yes, Excellenz. But his father, too, had lived much in Germany. He -was a diplomat and scholar and enjoyed the friendship of the Iron -Chancellor. That was before the ‘Hassgesang,’ Excellenz.” - -“Or before the ‘Tag,’” growled the General. “Your loyalty to your -cousin is natural, but loyalty to the Vaterland----” - -Udo von Winden rose quickly. - -“You would not suggest, Excellenz----?” - -“_Quatsch!_ Sit down, Captain. I suggest nothing. There are merely some -phases of the question which puzzle me. Perhaps when he arrives he can -explain them.” - -“He will explain. I will stake my honor on it.” - -“I trust so. This is hardly a time when my department can afford to -make mistakes in the character of those in its employ.” - -“But, Excellenz, you surely have no cause to doubt the exactness of the -information he has furnished you!” - -“It depends upon what you mean by exactness. Our information, as -you know, comes from a number of sources. Some of it has proven -valuable--some useless. Herr Hammersley’s has been neither the one nor -the other.” - -“But the British fleet at Cuxhaven----” - -“Yes, he gave us that, but they came two days earlier than we expected. -It cost us the _Blücher_.” - -“But you knew that the orders were changed--and he sent a wireless----” - -“The morning the _Blücher_ was sunk,” said von Stromberg dryly. - -“But, Excellenz, he gave us a clear sea for the raid on Falmouth!” - -General von Stromberg rose and laid his hand on von Winden’s shoulder. - -“You are younger than I, Graf von Winden. The Secret Service makes a -maxim to believe everyone guilty until he proves his innocence.” - -“But Herr Hammersley?” - -“We have reason to believe that the British Government permitted the -raid on Falmouth, as a means of increasing the enlistments.” He slowly -paced the floor and then said reassuringly, “Oh, I merely question--I -merely question----” - -His words trailed off and Udo von Winden stood silently until he spoke -again. “Oh, very well. We shall see--we shall see.” - -A knock at the door and an orderly entered. - -“Well?” - -“Dispatches, Excellenz.” - -Udo von Winden watched his superior officer as he dismissed the man and -broke the seal of a large envelope and read, the lamplight playing on -his long bony features, giving his sharp nose a peculiarly vulture-like -avidity. The importance of the communication was obvious, for the small -eyes under the heavy thatch of brows flamed in sudden interest. The -General read the paper through quickly and then slipped it between the -buttons of his coat. - -“That will be all, Herr Hauptmann----” he said, with a return of his -military abruptness. “You will go at once to the hangar and await the -arrival of Herr Hammersley.” And as the officer moved toward the door: -“Also, you will first tell Herr Hauptmann Wentz that I wish to see him -at once.” - -Von Winden clapped his heels together, saluted and went out while the -General paced the floor of the room again tapping the back of his -left hand with his right. “It is curious,” he muttered to himself. “A -coincidence perhaps, but strange. And yet--possible.” - -While he was reading the document again Captain Wentz entered. He was -short, thickly set and dark with a blue chin and heavy eyebrows, the -type of a man who rises in the service from sheer ability. He waited at -the door, immovable, in the presence of the great man until ordered to -approach. - -“An important message has come from the Wilhelmstrasse, which indicates -a mission of peculiar importance.” The General paused a moment, his -keen eyes searching Captain Wentz with a terrible tensity, but the face -of the younger man remained expressionless. He was merely a piece of -machinery--excellent machinery. - -“You may have thought it curious, Herr Hauptmann Wentz, that I should -have come from the Wilhelmstrasse to Blaufelden. Is it not so?” - -“It is not my duty to think, Excellenz, unless ordered to do so,” said -the other briefly. - -The General smiled. The answer pleased him. - -“I wished to see Herr Hammersley, as you know. That is important, and -the Yellow Dove cannot go to Berlin.” He stopped and then went on -quickly: “Herr Hauptmann, you have been attached to the Secret Service -Department three years?” - -“Yes, Excellenz.” - -“You have performed several important duties and have won promotion. I -am now about to commit to your care, a----” - -At a gesture of von Stromberg’s thumb the officer went on tiptoe to the -door and opened it quickly. - -“No one, Excellenz.” - -“Good. Now sit. First, you speak French without accent.” - -“That was a part of my qualification for this service.” - -“Yes. It is in my mind to give you an important mission--one which will -require great skill and fortitude.” - -Wentz listened attentively, but he made no comment. - -“It is unnecessary of course to warn you to hold what I tell you in the -strictest confidence.” - -“I do not talk, Excellenz.” - -“This is a matter of grave importance to the Empire, a matter which -concerns one of the enemies of the Vaterland. The safe delivery of -certain dispatches which I am to receive may mean a readjustment of the -European situation--perhaps the end of the war with Germany victorious -and England humiliated.” - -The eyes of Captain Wentz grew a little rounder and sparkled ever so -slightly, but he said nothing. - -“I am telling you this that you may know the importance of the duty -I am giving you. It is an honor which I hope you will appreciate, an -honor that may lead to greater favors than you have hitherto received.” - -“I hope I may deserve them, Excellenz.” - -General von Stromberg took the paper from his breast and glanced over -it again. - -“You will remember,” he continued, “the affair of the Socialist, -Gottschalk?” - -“I knew nothing of the details, Excellenz. That matter came in the duty -of Oberleutnant von Weringrade.” - -“This much then, only, I need tell you. Herr Gottschalk, who lived at -Schöndorf near here, came into the possession, in a manner which need -not be described, of certain important papers. He kept them for some -time, not aware of their importance, and then realizing their value -and being a good German, though opposed to the war, two weeks ago -communicated with the Government. The result of this correspondence was -a summons from Berlin and the delivery of these papers into the hands -of the Emperor. Do you follow me?” - -“Yes, Excellenz.” - -“This letter which I have just received by special messenger informs -me that His Majesty has decided to act at once, and gives me three -days in which to make arrangements to have these papers, which will be -forwarded tomorrow, delivered to General Dalmier, commanding at Verdun, -to be handed before a certain date, to the President of the French -Republic. You are to be the bearer of those letters. They must be -delivered personally. You will be provided with the proper passes and -facilities, including an armed escort to the French lines. From there -you must trust to your own resources. The important matter is that no -one, not even Captain von Winden, shall suspect your mission. Perhaps -now you will realize the confidence I am reposing.” - -“I am honored, Excellenz. These papers will arrive tomorrow?” - -“Tomorrow night by automobile at eleven, by the Schöndorf road.” - -“And until then----?” - -“You will have time to make your arrangements.” - -“I shall prepare, Excellenz.” - -Captain Wentz rose, but the General halted him. - -“One thing more. Herr Hammersley is returning tonight from England with -dispatches. He is to be carefully watched tonight and tomorrow, though -I shall let him believe that he moves in perfect freedom. You will give -the necessary orders. Also I would like you to keep watch outside the -door when he is brought to this room, which may be at any moment.” - -“_Zu befehl, Excellenz._” - -“That is all. You may go.” - -Left alone, General von Stromberg took a chair facing the fire, -and lighted another cigar. For many years he had been engaged in -deciphering interesting problems and in preparing problems for other -persons to decipher. Therefore it may be truly said that his was the -analytical mind, the mind of the chemist, of the mathematician, and the -philosopher, with so complete a schooling in the trade of deception -that all things and all persons in the cosmic scheme except himself -were objects of suspicion. For him the obvious was the negligible and -by converse the negligible of prime importance. As he had said to von -Winden, every man was guilty until he was proven innocent. He had a -rare nose for scenting unsuspected odors, and a fine hand for finding -the weak links in the armor of those he used as well as of those who -sought to use him. He had a faculty for appearing at places where he -was least expected and a prescience almost miraculous in forestalling -the moves of his adversaries. He ruled by fear and by admiration and -there was not a man in the Empire with a skeleton in his closet, no -matter how high his station, who did not live without a terror of von -Stromberg in his heart. - -But the habit of mind of suspecting everybody, while it had placed him -upon the safe side of every equation, had also resulted, through the -elimination of the sentimental, in eliminating the more direct contacts -with human nature. To judge a man by his possibilities for venality -is like judging a rose by the sharpness of its thorn. Something of -the weakness of this cynicism had been apparent to the keen intellect -of von Stromberg and he had been finding of late a rare pleasure in -trifling with his convictions, admitting into the stored cavern of -his mind for experimental purposes, an occasional ray of optimism. -At the present moment he was analyzing the result of his summons to -Herr Hammersley to come to Germany at once and the communication from -Herr Rizzio which impugned Herr Hammersley’s loyalty to Germany. Von -Stromberg had known Herr Rizzio for years and had done him more than -one service in finding ways to cater to his passion for collecting -objects of art. It was German social influence secretly exerted that -had helped to make easy Rizzio’s rise in favor at the court of St. -James. There had been a possibility that some day John Rizzio might -be of service to von Stromberg and to Germany. And von Stromberg had -long been laying the plans which had made his system of espionage the -most perfect in Europe. Von Stromberg had found Rizzio’s weakness -and had traded on it, saving his most tempting bait for his greatest -service, the betrayal of the home of his adoption. He weighed Rizzio -contentedly sure of his own power over him and despising him for having -been so easily bought. Rubens’s “Descent from the Cross”! There were -fortunately other Rubenses in conquered territory--some very good ones -that John Rizzio might like. Von Stromberg had made a list of them. -He had learned that it was as necessary to be provided with bribes as -with threats. Fortunately Rizzio himself had given him material for -the latter. Racially, the great Councilor did not like Latins, and -he was quite sure he cared less for Italians now than he did before -the proclamation of neutrality. They were not to be trusted by good -Germans. If Rizzio had played false to the country of his adoption for -the sake of a paltry picture, it was within the bounds of possibility -that he could be false to Germany if the necessity arose for an even -smaller consideration. Yesterday morning before leaving Berlin for -Windenberg, von Stromberg had received a dispatch from Rizzio which -told of his departure on his yacht from Scotland for Bremen. This -was curious--also interesting. Rizzio was needed in England and was -useless in Germany. Why was he coming? Had something been learned of -him at Scotland Yard? Or had his departure to do with the case of Herr -Hammersley? Whatever the visit meant, it was necessary, very necessary, -to have Rizzio and Hammersley together at once, so he had deemed it -wise to send orders to Bremen to have Rizzio caught on the wireless and -when he reached port sent through at once to Windenberg. - -Von Stromberg smiled in self-gratulation. There would be no loose ends -about this affair. Merely as a precaution in so important a matter -he had set one agent to watch another. Byfield had been watched by -Hammersley, who in turn had been watched by Rizzio, who had been -watched by Herr Maxwell, an agent long in von Stromberg’s service. -Rizzio had been given the power and credentials to use his discretion -with Hammersley. Why had not Hammersley relinquished the cigarette -papers to Rizzio? Hammersley should have good reasons for his refusal. -Was there reason for Hammersley to suspect Rizzio? Herr Maxwell, who -had been set to watch Rizzio, was silent. This was puzzling. What had -happened to Herr Maxwell? - -General von Stromberg threw his finished cigar into the fire and got -up, rubbing his hands together. Oh, it was very interesting--very. The -situation was rapidly approaching culmination. In a short while all -the threads of this pretty tangle would be within reach of his long -fingers. And all that he, von Stromberg, had to do was to catch them by -the ends and hold. What would Herr Hammersley bring? - -General von Stromberg straightened, listening. The sound of voices and -men outside. So. He was here already. There had been no sound from the -machine. Of course, he had planed down. A knock on the door and von -Winden, Wentz and Hammersley entered. - - - - -CHAPTER XII - -HAMMERSLEY EXPLAINS - - -At the sight of the tall figure of von Stromberg, Hammersley halted for -the fraction of a second and then came forward into the room. He still -wore his leather jacket and cap, but the wind burn on his cheeks gave -his eyes, which had been protected by goggles, a singular grayness. -He had had no sleep and his face was drawn in haggard lines, but his -greeting showed no signs of uneasiness. - -“Had I known you were awaiting me, Excellenz, I should perhaps have -made quicker repairs.” - -“It does not matter that you are late,” said von Stromberg quickly. -“The thing of main importance is that you are here.” The General turned -and made a motion to the door of the room. “I wish to be alone with -Herr Hammersley. Herr Hauptmann von Winden, you are relieved from duty -for the night. Herr Hauptmann Wentz, you will remain within call.” - -The two officers saluted and retired and the General motioned -Hammersley to approach. - -“You have it?” he asked briefly. - -“Yes, Excellenz. Here.” - -He produced from an inner pocket a small package wrapped in oiled paper -and handed it to von Stromberg. - -“Ah!” He went quickly over to the table and tearing off the wrapper -of the bundle opened the packet of Riz-la-Croix and found the hidden -message which he scanned quickly, with muttered ejaculations of -satisfaction and surprise. Hammersley by the fireplace was warming his -hands. - -“_Ganz gut!_” said the General, straightening and turning. “You had -difficulties?” - -“More than usual, Excellenz. Captain Byfield is in prison.” - -“Caught!” - -Hammersley nodded. - -“They found letters at his rooms.” - -“_Schafskopf!_ Were there no fires?” - -Hammersley shrugged. - -“He is to be tried by court-martial. He will be shot.” - -Von Stromberg deliberated a moment. - -“And were you suspected?” - -“Yes. They followed me to Scotland, but fortunately the Yellow Dove is -still a mystery--at least it was yesterday morning, and I got safely -away.” - -Von Stromberg was scrutinizing him keenly. - -“H--m. What makes you think that you were followed?” - -“I left London by night train but got off at Edinburgh where my motor -met me. But the wire was faster, and they had sent word to stop me. -They stretched a rope across the road, but I saw it and went around. -They fired at me----” - -“When was this?” - -“Three nights ago.” - -“They didn’t hit you----” - -“A mere scratch across the arm----” - -“Let me see it.” - -Hammersley looked into von Stromberg’s face and laughed. - -“Really?” he asked. - -“Yes.” - -Rather stiffly Hammersley took off his leather jacket and sweater and -rolled up the sleeve of his flannel shirt. Von Stromberg examined the -wound with interest. - -“So----” he said. “Put on your coat. And after that?” - -“I kept away from Ben-a-Chielt and put up for the night at my cousin’s.” - -“Who is that?” - -“Lady Heathcote----” - -“Oh, yes. It was at her house in London that the message passed to you.” - -“Yes, Excellenz.” - -Von Stromberg paused a moment and then spoke abruptly. - -“Why did you not give the papers to Rizzio?” - -Hammersley’s gaze met the General’s squarely. - -“They were too important. I could not take the risk.” - -“But his orders superseded yours.” - -“I saw--but I could not take the risk.” - -“Why?” - -“Because I had reason to believe that Rizzio was acting for the English -Government.” - -Von Stromberg’s burning gaze flickered and went out. He took a few -paces across the room, his right hand tapping the back of his left. At -last he came and stood before Hammersley, his hands behind his back. - -“What were your reasons for believing that?” - -“Maxwell learned it from Byfield.” - -“Maxwell! You saw Maxwell--when?” - -“The night I left London.” - -“Has anything happened to him?” quickly. - -“I do not know.” - -The General frowned into the fire. - -“It is strange,” he muttered. “Very strange. You did not realize then -that I suspected you?” - -Hammersley laughed. - -“Not at once. I did later. That is your privilege, Excellenz. But I -refused to be caught under the circumstances. I preferred to take the -risk of failure. After all, you see, I succeeded.” - -General von Stromberg was not immune from the frankness of Hammersley’s -smile. He turned toward the table and scrutinized the papers with great -care. - -“These are the very papers you got from Herr Captain Byfield?” - -Hammersley’s reply was startling. - -“Unfortunately, no. The original papers were burned----” - -“Burned!” cried the General, turning in his chair. - -“But not before I had made this copy, which I put in a safe place.” - -“Explain.” - -“I was followed, leaving Lady Heathcote’s dinner party in an -automobile, by agents of Scotland Yard. I had the slower machine and -they caught me. But not before I had passed the original papers to my -companion----” - -“Your companion--a woman?” - -“Yes, Excellenz, there was nothing else to do. She escaped while they -were searching me and kept the papers----” - -“Who was this woman?” - -“My fiancée.” - -“Her name?” - -“Doris Mather.” - -“English?” - -“No, American.” - -“And what happened then?” - -“Excellenz, she read them. She is devoted to the English cause. I could -do nothing. She learned that I was acting for Germany and, rather than -let them fall into my hands, she burned them. It makes no difference to -you or to the Vaterland, since I have brought the message here, except -that my own utility in England is gone.” - -“I should be sorry to be obliged to believe you.” - -“I am afraid, Excellenz, that there is nothing left for you to do.” - -General von Stromberg was again busy examining the cigarette papers. -Suddenly he raised his head, his gaze boring into Hammersley’s face. - -“You say this is a copy of the original message?” - -“Yes, Excellenz.” - -“And where did you make it?” - -“In the library upstairs at Lady Heathcote’s in Park Lane.” - -“When?” - -“After my interview with Herr Rizzio. It is written hurriedly, as you -will observe.” - -“It is written with a pen finer than those usually employed by ladies.” - -“I took what offered, Excellenz,” said Hammersley. - -“What was your thought when you made the copy?” - -“That Rizzio or his agents would attempt to get it away from me. It -seems that I was right.” - -“Are you sure that he was acting for England and not for me?” asked von -Stromberg quickly. - -“For _you_, Excellenz?” - -“Did it not occur to you that your failure to accede to his request -might have given Herr Rizzio the idea that you were saving this -document from him in order that you might deliver it to the War Office?” - -“How could such an idea occur to me when I already knew what his object -was?” - -“Oh! You are convinced that he is for the English cause?” - -“Naturally. I can conceive of no reason why Rizzio should be for -Germany.” - -Von Stromberg smiled. If this were skill in parry, he rejoiced in -having met his match. If it were merely ingenuousness, he was equally -at a loss. He had often admitted to himself that there were but two -kinds of people in the world that he could not cope with--those who -never lost their tempers and those who told the truth. He had taken -advantage of Hammersley’s physical condition to provoke him into -irritation, but the man was quite unruffled. The piercing eye, the -threatening tone and the dominant air of authority which von Stromberg -had so frequently found effective with others had been of no avail -here. Herr Hammersley stood by the fire, erect and unperturbed, calmly -awaiting his dismissal. If he had told the truth, then Rizzio---- - -“Herr Rizzio has advised me that you are disloyal to Germany,” said the -General at last. “You inform me that he is loyal to England.” - -Hammersley shrugged and laughed. - -“If I were disloyal to Germany, surely I had proof enough of your -suspicions in your secret summons, to remain at Ben-a-Chielt. It is -unnecessary for me to say that I should have come without that summons, -because it was dangerous for me to stay.” - -“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.” - -“H--m! You have a good memory?” - -“Excellent.” - -“Are you sure that the War Office knew of your movements?” - -“Positive. I know of no one who would try to kill me----” - -“Rizzio?” - -“Acting for England, yes.” - -“And if he were acting for Germany?” - -“Then he is a fool.” - -Von Stromberg folded his long arms and gazed at the lamp. - -“You do not feel that it would be possible to return at once?” - -“Not unless I wished to be shot as a spy.” - -“What will you do?” - -“Take whatever service you will give me. Failing that I will volunteer -for aviation.” - -The General, without pursuing the subject further, motioned Hammersley -to the door. - -“You will find food ready. After eating you had better get to bed. I -will talk with you further in the morning.” - -As the door closed behind his visitor von Stromberg sank into the chair -by the fire and lighted a third cigar, upon which he pulled steadily -for some moments, rehearsing by question and reply almost every word -of Hammersley’s story. By every rule of the game as he knew it Herr -Hammersley should be a liar. And yet his story from first to last held -water. There was not a flaw in its texture from beginning to end. If -Hammersley had not told the truth he was the most skillful liar in -Europe, a man who gave the appearance of truthfulness to the last hair -of his head. And yet 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.” - -“Which one?” - -“The same as before--next to that of Herr Hammersley.” - -“Well, move it into the wing. And when I go up you will set a watch -upon my door--also one outside my windows.” - -“_Zu befehl, Excellenz._” - -“In the meanwhile send Herr Hauptmann Wentz to me here.” - -The man went out and Captain Wentz entered immediately closing the door -behind him. - -“What time does the northern express leave Bremen in the morning?” - -“At seven.” - -General von Stromberg sat and wrote out a message. - -“Have this message sent at once.” And then, “That train reaches -Windenberg at what hour?” - -“Twelve.” - -“Good. This mountain air is excellent for the nerves. I shall sleep -late tomorrow and do not wish to be called. You will go personally to -Windenberg at eleven o’clock with a closed carriage. You will meet Herr -Rizzio, whom you will recognize by his tall, distinguished appearance -and excellent clothing. He will be accompanied by a young lady. It is -my wish that they be brought to this house and given separate rooms on -the upper story and placed under guard until I summon them. No one must -see them enter this house. To accomplish this purpose, Herr Hammersley -must go to the hangar. The means I leave to you. Captain von Winden -will be of service. Do you understand?” - -“Perfectly.” - -“For the present that is all. I shall go to my room. Good night.” - -“Good night, Excellenz.” - - * * * * * - -Meanwhile, upstairs in his room, Hammersley, after having eaten, was -preparing for bed. For a tired man he went about it in a very leisurely -way, smoking a cigarette, and wandering about the room stretching his -long limbs and yawning between whiles. Then, after a time, he took -off his clothes and bathed. It was perhaps an hour before he blew out -his candle, and even then he did not get immediately into bed. He sat -on the edge of the couch for a while, listening and watching the cold -moonlight outside his dormer window, or the dim line of light that came -from beneath the door into the hall. Then, apparently satisfied that he -was to be quite free from interruption, he straightened and stood up, -waiting again. Still no sound. He reached for the table, where he had -put his watch and the things from his pockets, and picked up a large -pocket-knife, carefully opening the large blade. Then, with quick, -noiseless footsteps, he crossed the room to the fireplace and felt with -the fingers of one hand carefully along the edge of the chimney breast. -His fingers reached a spot where there was an unevenness, and feeling -carefully, thrust the knife-blade its full length beneath the paper, -slowly withdrawing it. Something protruded which was quickly taken -into the palm of his left hand. With great care he smoothed the broken -wallpaper back into its place and noiselessly closing the knife got -softly into bed. - -He lay on his back for a while, his eyes wide open, watching the window -and the door and then, pulling the heavy blankets up, slipped lower -and lower under the covers until he disappeared from view. In the -room all was dark, but under the blankets he read by the light of an -electric pocket torch some writing in German upon a thin slip of paper. - - Papers arrive tomorrow night, eleven--from - Berlin--automobile--by Schöndorf road. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII - -THE UNWILLING GUEST - - -After the light of dawn went out upon the cliffs of Rhuda Mor, Doris -Mather hung for a long while upon the brink of an abyss, below her -darkness, above her light. She strove upward, but in the dim moments -of half-consciousness was aware of a force restraining her and a -recurrence of the odor in which the darkness had first come. She had -a sense of motion and of jolting, the feeling of arms about her, a -descent, the sound of water and the rocking of a boat. Brief glimpses -she had of sunlight, which revealed outlines dimly, like the glow -of summer lightning upon familiar objects, making them curiously -unfamiliar. John Rizzio’s face persisted in these visions, a fantastic -Rizzio, much larger than the man she knew, deferential and punctilious -as ever, and strangely grave. A stout man with a swarthy face in a cap -and brass buttons, just above her, darkly outlined against white clouds -which seemed to be whirling rapidly past him. Dully she found herself -wondering where the clouds were going so rapidly and why they didn’t -come back.... Later, darkness and peace, where there were no visions -and the sky no longer whirled ... a steady vibration which soothed her, -and she blissfully slept. - -When she awoke the visions were gone, and as her senses returned she -started up, but her head swam and she sank back again. As she had risen -a woman emerged from the shadows of the room and came forward. And -then slowly, as full consciousness returned, the girl realized that she -was on an ocean-going vessel in a cabin or stateroom very beautifully -appointed. She started up in her bed and looked out of the port-hole to -see the amber crests of waves leaping rapidly past. Then she heard the -woman’s voice speaking. - -“You are feeling better?” - -Doris turned and looked at her, a woman of middle age, with a kindly -face, dressed in white linen. - -“What yacht is this?” she asked. - -“The _Sylph_, miss--Mr. Rizzio’s,” she replied. - -Doris thought for a moment. The last thing her waking consciousness -remembered were the cliffs of Rhuda Mor. - -“How did I come here?” she asked again. - -The woman shook her head. “I don’t know, miss.” - -Her manner was kind and most respectful but her tone was decisive. She -was obeying instructions. - -“Is Mr. Rizzio aboard?” Doris asked again. - -“Yes, miss. And he asked me to tell you that when you felt sufficiently -recovered he would be glad to wait upon you in the saloon.” - -“Oh, I understand.” - -When Doris rose and put her feet to the swaying deck, nausea overcame -her. But the woman, who was prepared for this emergency, offered a -glass filled with cloudy liquid. - -“Drink this,” she said. “It will make you feel better.” - -Doris looked into the woman’s face, and recognizing the aromatic odor, -took the draught. - -The nausea passed after a moment and she managed to get up and make her -way to the bathroom. As she bathed her face, memory returned, full -memory of the events of the previous night, the scene upon the cliffs, -with Cyril, the destroyer, Rizzio, Stryker, Rudha Mor, the Yellow -Dove and then unconsciousness. Chloroform! There were vestiges of it -upon her clothing still. They had drugged her. When she took off her -shirtwaist something fell to the floor. A paper. She picked it up and -looked at it. It was Rizzio’s note to her at Kilmorack House asking -her to come to Ben-a-Chielt--so that he might make her prisoner! She -remembered now that she had thrust it into her waist when she went out. -She folded the letter carefully and put it in her stays. After the -other indignity she had suffered, it seemed strange that they had not -searched her, too. She would keep the letter. Perhaps later she would -find use for it. - -John Rizzio! It was difficult for her mind to associate him with the -villainy of abduction. And yet, as her brain grew clearer, she became -quite sure that there was no other answer to the problem. Indeed, from -the replies of the stewardess she knew that John Rizzio had chosen that -she should know it was to be a problem no longer. The _Sylph_, that was -his yacht. She had been on the boat before, two years ago, during the -races in the Solent. Abduction! He had dared! She was not frightened -yet. Fury at his temerity blinded her to all sense of danger. A phrase -of Cyril’s came back to her, illuminating the chaos of her thoughts. -“You know too much--too much for your own good--or mine.” Cyril’s -cigarette papers! She was the only one beside Cyril who had read their -contents! Rizzio had carried her off, had brought her to the _Sylph_, -which was out of sight of land, speeding for--Germany! What was he -going to do with her? - -Fury passed and weakness followed. She did not know what time of -day it was, but she was aware that it had been long since she had -eaten. In the cabin she found a tray set with food and coffee which -the stewardess insisted upon serving her. She sank into an armchair, -refusing to eat, but the woman persisted and the odor of the coffee -was tempting. It was luncheon, she found, and remembered that she had -had no appetite for dinner at Lady Heathcote’s and that it must be -quite twenty-four hours since she had broken bread. The coffee gave her -courage, and in spite of herself she found that she was eating heartily -with a genuine relish. She was a good sailor and the nausea, which -she now knew was the effect of the drug, had passed. The stewardess -stood beside her and to the other questions Doris put to her answered -politely, but volunteered nothing further than she had already told. -In spite of the woman’s care and attention the girl could not get rid -of the idea that the stewardess had been sent as a guardian as well as -a maid. She was a prisoner of John Rizzio, of Germany, whither he was -bringing her as fast as the yacht could take them. - -Finding at last that her attempts to extract information from her -stolid servitress were fruitless, and feeling strengthened by the food -she had taken, she got up and told the woman that she was going on -deck, asking that Mr. Rizzio be informed that she would see him. As -she emerged upon deck the crisp wintry air sent the color slowly into -her pallid cheeks. The yacht was bowling along with the wind and sea -quartering and the foam-crests leaped alongside, sending an occasional -spurt of spray into the air, where the wind caught it and blew it -across the decks in a feathery mist of rainbows. The sunlight glinted -on polished wood and brasswork and at the stern caught in the cross of -St. George where the flag of England flapped in the breeze. The flag -of England sheltering John Rizzio! She scanned the horizon anxiously. -Perhaps an English cruiser or destroyer might come to whom she might be -able to tell the real character of the owner of the vessel. But there -was no vessel in sight. A sailor passed her and touched his cap. The -deference encouraged her. It reminded her that this was the same deck -upon which she had stood when John Rizzio was suing for her hand, an -honorable host when she had been an honored guest. A loud crackling -came to her ears from the wireless room. He was there, already in -communication with his employers in Germany. Even now, with Cyril’s -words still ringing in her ears, she found it difficult to believe -that John Rizzio was England’s enemy; and the price of his treachery -a picture, “The Descent from the Cross”! What a mockery that a man -who would stoop to such dishonor could make its price a picture which -typified the conquest of sublime virtue even over death! - -The wind was searching and the maid brought a heavy coat with brass -buttons from below and put it on her with the word that Mr. Rizzio -had sent it and would come to her in a few moments. She sat in a -deckchair in the lee of the deckhouse, her lips firmly compressed, -trying to think what his ulterior purpose might be, planning a defense -which might make her invulnerable, an attack which might search his -intentions and discover the true relation that was to exist between -them. - -He came toward her from forward, muffled in a greatcoat, and carrying -a rug. He took off his cap with an air of deference, which answered at -once some of her questions. She rose and faced him, her color high. - -“What are you going to do with me?” she asked, trying to keep her lips -from trembling. - -He smiled and pulled at his mustache. - -“First, I hope you’ll give me a chance to explain.” - -“What?” she cried hotly. “What can you explain? Don’t you suppose I -know what you are? A German spy, a traitor to England, and worse than -that--a woman-baiter and a coward, Mr. Rizzio.” - -He bent his head. - -“I make no defense,” he said, “except necessity.” And then gravely -indicating the chair from which she had risen. “Won’t you sit down? The -voyage may be long.” - -But she still stood. - -“I am a prisoner, not a guest.” - -“Then I command you to sit,” he said with a laugh. “Won’t you?” - -A sound of exasperation came from her throat and she obeyed him, her -gaze on the sea, while with some ostentation he covered her with a rug. - -“What are you going to do with me in Germany?” she repeated dully. - -He sank into the chair beside her. “As I have often told you, you -are a woman of rare intelligence. In reply I can only say that, -unfortunately, I do not know.” - -“A coward who is also a--a liar,” she said bitterly. - -“A coward is usually a liar, but a liar isn’t always a coward. I am a -liar, Doris, if you will, but a courageous one.” - -“My name is Mather,” she said distinctly. - -He shrugged and turned his gaze on the sea. - -“You hate me, of course. We are enemies. I am sorry. I warned you that -you were entangled in an affair that was leading you into dangerous -paths. I would have saved you, if I could, but you had learned too -much.” - -“And so you had me chloroformed. It was a pity that you didn’t complete -your work.” - -“I merely did what was required of me. Through a most unfortunate -combination of circumstances you came into possession of a secret known -to but one person in England; and you are the only person with English -sympathies who knows my exact political status----” - -“A spy!” contemptuously. - -“What you will--a spy if you like--but a strong friend of Germany -who resents an attempt by a nation jealous of her growing commercial -supremacy to wipe her out of existence. I have lived in England long, -and I have known many of the men who have made her what she is, but -never in all those years has England ever given me one token of -the high nobility she preaches. I have passed for many years as an -Englishman. I am not English. I am cosmopolitan and to a cosmopolitan, -residence is but an accident.” - -“Pray spare me the details of your treachery.” - -He laughed easily. - -“I’m afraid you’re at my mercy. I shall try to be lenient. You are an -American, I am an Italian. To call me a traitor to England because I -happen to have a liking for Germany would be much like my calling you a -traitor to Germany because you happen to have a liking for England.” - -“I have never eaten the bread and salt of Germany, or wormed my way -into the hearts of its people.” - -“I’m sure you flatter me. The people of my set in London are agreeable, -but----” - -Doris had straightened in the act of rising. - -“I did not come on deck to discuss your ideals or Germany’s. I hope -that you will excuse----” - -“You will not listen?” - -“No. I care nothing for your political views. I am your prisoner. I -want to know without further words the worst that I am to expect from -you.” - -“You have been upon the _Sylph_ before. What was proper for you then is -proper for you now. You are quite safe in my hands. I shall try to make -you comfortable. Does that answer your question?” - -“And after----” - -“You are to be delivered to the head of the Secret Service Department -of the German Empire.” - -The girl paled and sank back into her chair. - -“Why?” she asked. - -“Because you are in possession of information that he wants.” - -“What information? It isn’t true. I know nothing.” - -“I am sorry,” he apologized again. “The cigarette papers. You read -them.” - -“No--no.” - -“You forget that you have already admitted that. You have also read the -second message which was to take the place of the first.” - -“You are dreaming. A second message? I know nothing of a second -message.” - -“Pardon me, if I remind you of it. You would have burned it in the -drawing-room at Kilmorack House if Mr. Hammersley hadn’t taken it from -your hand.” - -She stared at him bewildered at his astounding omniscience, his -devilish ingenuity. It frightened her, his cleverness and his pursuit -of her. It seemed that she had never had a chance to get away from him. -And yet his manner was so carefully studied, his attitude toward her so -coldly impersonal that as a man once a lover she no longer feared him. -If love of her had ever been in his heart, a greater passion had burned -it out. She was grateful for this and prepared to measure her woman’s -wit to his, thinking of Cyril. What would Cyril have her do? - -“You mean that you will let them--the Germans--question me?” - -“If they wish to do so.” - -“But how will it benefit them, if the papers are already in their -possession?” - -“You will forgive me if I find it possible to doubt.” - -She turned away from him and studied the lines of foam that streamed -across the green troughs of the sea. - -“I suppose that conversation between us two is superfluous. You -distrust me and I----” - -“I think perhaps,” he said gravely, “that it would be pleasanter for -both of us not to hear your sentiments toward me. Since the night of -Lady Heathcote’s dinner in London you ceased to be Miss Doris Mather -and became merely an official document. It is my duty to preserve it -and deliver it safely.” - -“I hope you may succeed. Otherwise the American Ambassador in Berlin -may----” - -“Unfortunately,” he went on quietly, “the American Ambassador cannot be -informed.” - -She laughed with a greater confidence than she felt. - -“You surely can’t believe that my absence from England will pass -unnoticed. Do you think that my father--that Lady Heathcote----” - -She paused bewildered. - -“They will merely know that you rode late at night to Ben-a-Chielt and -that your horse was found riderless on the moor.” - -She buried her face in her hands and a sob broke from her throat. It -was true. They would think her dead. For the first time she really was -able to think of things in their true aspect. - -“It’s cruel,” she gasped. “How could you!” - -He was too wise to touch her or even by his manner to show too deep a -sympathy. - -“I am sorry,” he said coolly, “awfully sorry. As you know, I would -have had things different. You may still doubt me when I say that what -I have done is the hardest task that I ever undertook in my life. But -that is true. You were the only person in England who jeopardized my -existence there. I had to take you away. I regret the necessity of -having to use force. I shall do what I can here upon the _Sylph_ to -counteract the unpleasant impression of my brutality. I am not a bully -and a woman-baiter. I am a spoke in the wheel of destiny which you had -clogged. By all the rules of the game you should have died. Reasons -which I need not mention made your death at my hands an impossibility. -So I merely removed you to a place of safety. No harm shall come to -you, I pledge my honor.” - -“Thanks,” she said dully, struggling up, her face away from him. And -then dauntlessly, “Small a thing as it is, I must be content with -that.” She had risen and turned, “And now, if you don’t mind, I will -go below. I would prefer to be alone. If, as you protest, you would do -me kindness, you will not ask to see me.” - -He bowed. - -“I have given instructions that you shall be allowed to do as you -please. Mrs. Madden will furnish you with all that you require both I -think of linen and toilet articles. I shall not try to see you again -until we land.” - -She bowed her head and went down. Rizzio watched her until she -disappeared and then walked over to the rail and peered out over the -sea. It had taken some self-command to go through this interview as -he had planned it, and in conquering himself he had succeeded in -establishing a relation between them which made his presence at least -bearable to her. The impersonal tone which he had used through the -interview was the one most calculated to put her at her ease with him -and the perfect frankness of his confession had made her understand -at once that sentimentally at least she had nothing to fear from him. -John Rizzio was wise in the ways of women and the particular woman -now thrown upon his mercy, even though she was the one woman in the -world he had thought the most desirable, was to be treated with the -delicate consideration due to her unfortunate dependence upon him. A -flash of sentiment, a breath of revelation of his ultimate purposes -toward her, and the woman would be lost to him. Her misfortunes if -anything had made her more desirable than ever, especially since he -had been the cause of them. For one mad moment, he had thought this -morning of turning the _Sylph_ toward the waters of the South Atlantic, -forgetting the quarrels of the nations in which he had become involved, -and of seeking a new world where he could begin again, trusting -to time and opportunity and his own patience and tact to bring a -sentimental victory out of what had already been defeat. A mad moment -but a tempting one. But the time was not yet. He must be patient. With -Hammersley gone---- - -He straightened and slowly strolled forward to the wireless room. -Toward evening he was given confirmation of the wisdom of his course, -for as he was pacing the deck aft she came up from below and joined -him. She was looking rather white, but she smiled at him brightly and -matched her steps to his. - -“I was lonely below,” she said. “You don’t mind?” - -He had never thought her lovelier. Her face, if anything, had always -needed just those shadows of pain to make it perfect. - -“I hadn’t hoped for such a kindness. You are feeling better?” - -“Yes, thanks. And since we must meet I am willing to try to be -friendly.” - -“I’m sure you’ll find that I’ll meet you more than halfway,” he said -politely. - -They talked far into the evening and at her request they dined together -in the saloon. He was reserved but not cautious, and when the evening -was over remembered hazily that she had succeeded in learning something -from him of General von Stromberg, the head of the German Secret -Service Department, of the aviation field at Windenberg and of the -frequent flights of the Yellow Dove since the beginning of the winter. - -The next morning passed quietly. Doris did not appear until noon. But -just before luncheon a smudge of smoke appeared upon the horizon, which -rapidly grew larger, and in a little while she made out the lines of -a war vessel steaming in a direction which would intercept the yacht. -The _Sylph_ did not slow down until a solid shot from a gun in the -forecastle of the destroyer went ricochetting across her bows, when the -engine was stopped and John Rizzio made slowly aft to where she stood. - -“Miss Mather,” he said briefly, “I must ask you to go below to your -cabin at once.” - -A glance at his face showed that her protests would have been useless -and she went below to her own stateroom, the door of which was locked -upon her. Through the heavy glass of her port-hole she saw the vessel -approach until within hailing distance when a boat dropped from her -side into which a boat’s crew and an officer clambered and rowed -alongside. The vessel bore no flag, but the girl clearly heard the -hail of the boarding officer and realized that the destroyer was an -English vessel. Her hopes rose. Perhaps even now the Englishman would -find something irregular in the yacht’s papers and would take charge, -conveying her back to England. She waited for a long time and then -heard the clatter of oars and saw the boat push off from the side of -the yacht, while the officer, young, slender and windburned, stood up -in the stern sheets of his boat. - -“All right,” she heard him say, “sorry to have troubled you. Pleasant -voyage. Good-by.” - -Never had English sounded so good to her. But it was with a sigh of -despair that she saw the boat reach the side of the war vessel and felt -the steadily increasing rhythm of the engines of the yacht as she drove -once more upon her way. - -When the two vessels were at a distance from each other the key turned -in the lock of the door and in reply to a knock, she found John Rizzio -himself, standing hat in hand in the gangway. - -“I seem to be in a continual state of apology. But of course you -realize the necessity for my action.” - -“I am in your power,” she said helplessly. - -“I hope you will believe that I shall not abuse it.” - -She shrugged her shoulders and followed him to luncheon, managing -to preserve at table a cheerfulness which she was far from feeling. -Throughout the morning she had been thinking hard. And the only course -that was open to her if her courage did not fail was the one that she -was following. If she was to be able in any way to help Cyril, she must -try to learn what she could, accept the situation with good grace and -perhaps by some turn of good fortune find a way to disarm John Rizzio -and profit by an inadvertence or mistake. But as the second day wore -on she found her task increasingly difficult. At luncheon Mr. Rizzio -was more reserved and during the afternoon as they approached waters -in which German warships were more likely to be found he spent much -time in the wireless room, where a repetition of the crackling noises -advised her that he was again in communication with the land of her -enemies. - -After dinner, at which Rizzio had been very quiet, he requested -politely that she go at once to her cabin, which she did to hear the -sound of the key again turned in the lock of her door. Despair came -over her and at last she cried herself to sleep, awakening during the -night at the glare of a searchlight which pierced her window port. -She got up and looked out to see a dark bulk looming alongside, the -flashing of lanterns, and heard the sound of voices speaking German. -At last all was quiet again, and the steady hammer of the vessel’s -propeller told her that the _Sylph_ was again on her way. - -She must have slept again, for the silver of dawn was already modifying -the gloom of her cabin when there was a knock upon her door and she -rose. The stewardess fully dressed was outside. - -“Mr. Rizzio asks me to request you to please dress at once, as -breakfast will be served in half an hour.” - -She obeyed blindly aware that there was no motion to the deck of her -cabin and that the _Sylph_ was now riding on an even keel. She verified -her guess at the nearness of their destination by a glance through the -port-hole, which showed her that the vessel had reached the quieter -waters of a bay or river in which she slipped smoothly onward. There -were vessels at anchor, large and small, and beyond them she made out -the lines of a shore, upon which at intervals buildings loomed. - -Mrs. Madden, the stewardess, would not talk and it was not until she -reached the breakfast table that Doris learned where they were. - -“We shall reach Bremen shortly,” said Rizzio. “I do not know how you -feel about the matter, but I would suggest that it would save you much -trouble and anxiety to trust yourself entirely into my hands.” - -“I know of nothing else,” she said quietly. “What are you going to do?” - -“I shall confer with certain officials when we reach the city, which -will be in a few moments. After that we will take the seven o’clock -train for Windenberg.” - - - - -CHAPTER XIV - -VON STROMBERG CATECHISES - - -To the girl the way from Bremen to Windenberg seemed interminable. -She shared with John Rizzio a private compartment in the train. He -was still ceremoniously polite and inclined to conversation, but now, -thoroughly realizing the danger which faced her as well as Cyril, Doris -had decided upon a policy of silence. She would wait until she learned -what they required of her and then perhaps some instinct or inspiration -would direct her. Of one thing she was certain, that nothing could make -her speak if she did not think it wise to do so. - -When Rizzio commented upon the beauty of the passing landscape she -assented with a smile and then returned to her own thoughts. Cyril, -she knew, would be at Windenberg, for it was to Windenberg that the -Yellow Dove had made its flights. She had succeeded in eliciting that -much information from her captor the other night at dinner when he -was attempting by frankness and hospitality to minimize the brutality -of his actions. She had many reasons to believe that he had already -regretted that frankness for at every subsequent attempt of hers to -get more information about von Stromberg, John Rizzio had turned the -subject adroitly or had remained obstinately silent. - -She tried to put together the scraps of information she possessed in -order to understand just what Cyril’s position at Windenberg might -be. He had answered the summons of the secret messenger willingly -and at once. That much was in his favor. If they had suspected him -before, this immediate obedience must have disarmed them. In the mind -of General von Stromberg there could be no possible reason why Cyril -should put himself at his mercy. General von Stromberg could not know -as she knew that Cyril had another mission to perform. She looked up -quickly to find John Rizzio’s dark eyes gazing at her. He frightened -her at that moment, for it almost seemed from the expression of his -face that he had succeeded in reading her thoughts--and in the light -of his previous omniscience even that psychic feat seemed within the -realm of possibility. But he merely smiled at her and looked out of the -window. - -That mission of Cyril’s! What was it? The obtaining of some information -necessary to England? Some military secret such as the machinery -of ordnance or the chemical mixture of explosive shells? Or was it -something more personal, more sinister and dreadful--the death of some -high official--perhaps the Emperor himself? She shuddered and shut -her eyes, her mind painting unimaginable horrors. Not murder--even -for Cyril she could not connive at that. But she must be prepared to -do something for him, to help him, if she could by false testimony -or if necessary, no matter what they did to her, by silence. If they -suspected Cyril, of course he would be kept in ignorance of her -arrival. Of all these things and others she thought with ever-growing -doubt and timidity. And all the while in the back of her head was the -idea of her possible appeal to the American Ambassador at Berlin. - -But if she had any hopes that an opportunity would be given her to -use the post, or even to be free from surveillance, their arrival at -Windenberg speedily diminished them. For upon the platform of the -small station a German officer met them and conducted them at once to -a closed carriage which started off through the village immediately. -The officer and Mr. Rizzio exchanged a few commonplaces which politely -included her, but as to the real meaning of her visit and their -possible intentions--nothing. So she sank back in her seat and looked -out through a small window at the forest into which the road almost -immediately passed, reaching their destination in apparent calmness, -the high tension of her nerves resolutely schooled to obedience. - -A farmhouse in the midst of meadows surrounded by forests, with a -broad hospitable door in which they entered, seeing no one. The German -officer who directed them showed her the way to a room upstairs and -when she was in the room locked the door. She was in the dark, for the -shutters of the windows were closed. Her first impulse at reaching a -haven of privacy even though a prison was to seek the line of least -resistance and give her nerves the relaxation they needed in tears. -But she fought the weakness down, going to the windows and peering -out through a crack in the shutters. When she tried to open them, she -discovered that they were locked or nailed from the outside. She had -been a prisoner she knew, upon the yacht, but the firmness with which -the hard wood and iron resisted her efforts gave her for the first -time the grim reality of her predicament. A prisoner in the heart of a -German forest with no way to turn for help! Where was Cyril? Perhaps -after all, her surmises had been incorrect. They had sent him away -to Berlin. Or perhaps he had gone back in freedom to England. Grave -fears assailed her as to Rizzio and his intentions. Once a friend, but -after that an unsuccessful lover! What did she know of him or of these -people into whose hands he was committing her? Germans! She was ready -to believe anything of them after Belgium--the worst! Had Rizzio’s -story about bringing her to the head of the Secret Service of Germany -been a mere invention to serve other ends? He had told her at Kilmorack -House that he would never give her up. Was this what he had meant? A -blind terror seized her which seemed for the moment to deaden all her -faculties for analysis. The room, though chill, seemed to stifle her, -its walls and ceiling to be closing in to crush her. She stumbled to -the bed upon which she fell and lay for a long while exhausted and at -last the blessing of tears came to her and then, sleep. - -How long Doris slept she did not know, but she realized that it could -not have been long, for strange ugly figures came into her dreams and -strange ugly events followed each other with lightning swiftness. But a -knock upon the door brought her back to the terrors of her predicament -and she answered it, wondering what was to happen. It was a tall man in -the Jäger uniform bearing a tray of food--some toast, eggs and a cup -of chocolate. He entered with a smile and a polite greeting in German, -putting the tray upon the table and then forcing open the shutters a -little so that a narrow bar of sunlight came into the room and lay upon -the bright drugget upon the floor. By its light she examined the man. -He was tall, grizzled at the temples and walked with a slight limp. He -smiled at her again and she could not refrain from answering the smile -in kind. - -“I hope the Fräulein will enjoy her lunch,” he said. “The toast -especially, for I have made it myself. I trust that the Fräulein -prefers dry toast.” - -“Thanks, anything will do. I am not hungry.” - -“I am sorry,” said the Forester, bowing and then continuing in a lower -tone: “The Fräulein will not forget that the toast is excellent and -that I made it myself.” - -She examined him curiously, wondering whether he were not perhaps a -little demented. But at the door he bowed and disappeared and she heard -the key turn in the lock. He was apparently not too demented to forget -that she was a prisoner. - -She was not hungry but she knew that she must eat something to keep up -her strength for any ordeal that was in store for her, so she drew a -chair to the table and sat, pouring out the chocolate in the cup and -helping herself to the eggs. - -All the while she thought of the strange behavior of her servitor. -Why did he lay such stress upon the excellence of the dry toast? And -why because it was dry? She raised a piece of it with her fingers and -examined it, lifted the second piece, when a gasp of surprise escaped -her. Above the third piece of toast, folded neatly, was a thin strip -of paper. She glanced toward the door and window and then getting up -from the table and going to a spot where observation of her actions was -impossible, opened the slip of paper. It was in Cyril’s hand. - - Don’t be frightened [she read]. You are to be questioned. - Follow these instructions. I made copy of message in Heathcote - library night of dinner while waiting for you to get wraps. - I hid it in right sash of motor. Copy and original of message - the same. You and I are enemies. Therefore ignore me. Rizzio - acted for Scotland Yard. As to the rest tell truth exactly and - no harm can come to me. I will find means later to communicate. - Burn this immediately. - -Her heart beating high, she read the paper through twice to familiarize -herself with the instructions which she perfectly understood. Then she -found a matchbox on the candlestick, put the paper in the hearth and -burned it. After that she sat at the table and ate. It was there that -Captain von Winden found her some moments later when he came to request -her presence in the room on the ground floor. - - * * * * * - -During the time that Doris slept, in the living-room downstairs General -von Stromberg sat with John Rizzio. A peaceful winter landscape looked -in at the windows, the sun slanted in a yellow rhomboid upon the floor, -a cheerful fire was burning upon the hearth and General von Stromberg, -his left hand tapping gently upon the back of his right, was gravely -listening to John Rizzio’s story. All of the pieces of the little game -were upon the board. He was now about to move them skillfully from one -square to another until only one piece remained, and that one piece, -the victor in all such games, was--himself. - -“And what was his manner,” went on von Stromberg, “when you showed your -credentials?” - -“He was surprised--very much surprised--and I think alarmed.” - -“And what arguments did you use to make him give the packet up?” - -“I threatened him with serious consequences.” - -“Which meant _me_,” said von Stromberg grimly. - -“Yes, Excellenz. But he refused without other grounds than his own -judgment.” - -“And then----” - -“Excellenz, Fräulein Mather came in. She heard something from behind -the curtain--but she gave no sign.” - -“Oh! She is clever?” - -“Exceptionally so. I have brought her here of my own volition and she -will speak if properly approached, but I hope Excellenz will be pleased -to make the interview as easy for her as possible. If any harm should -come to her----” - -“It is not the practice of my department to do hurt to women,” said the -General quickly. Then he laughed. “I suspect, Herr Rizzio, that you -have a tenderness in that quarter.” - -“It is true. I hope, therefore, that you will be patient with her.” - -Von Stromberg waved his hand impatiently. - -“And what happened then?” - -“Hammersley and Miss Mather went out. I remained in the smoking-room -and then telephoned to Maxwell to send his men at once. They came. I -met them outside the house before Hammersley emerged and gave them my -instructions to follow Hammersley’s machine and get the papers.” - -The older man started forward, his long acquisitive nose eagerly -scenting a clue. - -“And how long was it after they left the smoking-room for the machine?” - -Rizzio pulled at his mustache a moment thoughtfully. - -“I could not say exactly,” he said after a time. “A matter of half an -hour perhaps.” - -“Did you know what Herr Hammersley was doing in the meanwhile?” - -“No. I could not say. I telephoned first and then went out. The guests -were all in the drawing-room.” - -“Did you go up to the library?” - -Rizzio showed surprise. “No, Excellenz.” - -“Are you sure that Herr Hammersley was in the drawing-room with the -others when you went out?” - -“Yes, Excellenz. I am sure of it. There was no reason for him to be -anywhere else.” - -“There was no chance of his going upstairs to the library for -ten--fifteen minutes--without your seeing him?” - -Rizzio straightened and pulled at his mustache. “Excellenz, I think I -understand the object of your questions. It is not possible that Herr -Hammersley could have made a copy of the papers at Lady Heathcote’s -house.” - -Von Stromberg paused a moment, then he asked: - -“How long after you left the door of the house before he came out with -the lady?” - -“Scarcely more than ten minutes.” - -The General’s fingers tapped more rapidly. - -“Oh,” he growled, “I see.” And then, “Tell me how the matter was -arranged that Captain Byfield should deliver those papers.” - -“Maxwell managed it through a cipher. The War Office had grown -suspicious and all the usual channels were closed. Byfield was -frightened and refused to deliver further messages. So Maxwell hit -upon the scheme of the cigarette papers to be delivered to Hammersley. -I could not receive them from Byfield because of your instructions -not to let my interests be known to anyone in England but Maxwell--you -thought the time was not ripe for me to play my _coup_.” - -“Yes,” said von Stromberg dryly, “but the time is ripe now and you are -not there to play it.” - -“But this affair was of such importance----” - -“Yes, yes,” the general broke in quickly, “go on.” - -“It was the day of an anniversary always celebrated for me by Lady -Heathcote, whose house, as you know, is one of the most exclusive -in England and above suspicion. I invited the guests and Maxwell -communicated with Hammersley, arranging the manner of the exchange -which was accomplished. My demand upon Hammersley was made in -accordance with your orders. It was a test of his loyalty. He failed.” - -“Do you think he had an opportunity to glance at the papers, I mean -between the time he received them and the time of your demand of him?” - -“Yes. He studied them for a moment behind the curtains of an alcove in -the drawing-room. I was watching. I saw his shadow as he bent over to -the light of the lamp.” - -“By that you mean he had a hope that they might be spurious?” - -“Yes, Excellenz. When it was discovered that there was a leak, false -orders were issued to test the different departments of the War Office.” - -“H--m. And then, Maxwell’s men followed him, and when he was on the -point of capture he turned the papers over to the lady, who escaped -through the hedge?” - -“As I have said before, Excellenz, the lady is clever. She read the -papers, but her loyalty to Hammersley kept her silent, though at that -time she suspected that he was a German agent.” - -“I see,” said von Stromberg, manifesting a sudden activity with his -fingers. “The lady is interested in Herr Hammersley?” - -“Yes, Excellenz.” - -“More interested in him, perhaps, than she is in you?” - -Rizzio bowed in silence. - -“_Gut_,” said von Stromberg rising. “That perhaps makes matters more -amusing for us--perhaps a little more amusing for Herr Hammersley.” - -He paced the floor with long strides while Rizzio watched him until he -stopped before the fire and spoke again. - -“Herr Rizzio, you have told me about the events in Scotland when, as -you say, Hammersley, acting as an Englishman, warned the lady against -you as an agent of Germany. What I would like very much to know is why, -when you were sure he was acting for England, you did not have him -killed at once.” - -“I tried, Excellenz, but he was too well prepared for me. My men shot -at him on the road and wounded him slightly--but on the cliffs at -Ben-a-Chielt he had a confederate who killed one of my men. The other, -as I have related, fell over the cliffs.” - -“But you”--put in the officer harshly--“what were _you_ doing all the -while?” - -“I shot at him and missed.” - -“That was unfortunate--from our point of view. It is not the custom of -agents of my department to miss--at anything, Herr Rizzio. But since -Hammersley is here, the damage, if damage there is, can be repaired. -What did you do after that?” - -“I had reason to suspect that Hammersley was the cause of the arrest -of Captain Byfield. I had also reason to suspect that he had informed, -or would inform, the War Office as to my connection with Germany. -Accordingly I had made arrangements to have my boat within easy -reaching distance of Ben-a-Chielt. With the help of two other men who -had been set to watch the roads in case of surprises I kept watch on -Hammersley. Miss Mather we lost in the darkness of the moor. This -was unfortunate, as I had planned to take her, too. But we followed -Hammersley on horses to Rudha Mor to be sure that he would obey your -summons and fortune aided us, for Doris Mather had followed him, too, -and we managed to take her without difficulty--and brought her aboard -the yacht. Hammersley’s departure for Germany, of course, relieved me -of all responsibility on his behalf.” - -Von Stromberg paused before the fireplace, his brows puckering. - -“On the whole, Herr Rizzio, you have done well. I shall not complain. -But if your story is true, I should like you to tell me two things. The -first is, why should Herr Hammersley return to Germany to face certain -death at my hands?” - -Rizzio shrugged his fine shoulders. - -“Excellenz, I do not know. I did not think he would come when I sent -you my request to summon him. The knowledge he possessed was dangerous -to me and I had made every possible plan to kill him at Rudha Mor. -Nothing that could have happened surprised me more than when I saw him -fly out in obedience to your message. It has puzzled me. I do not know -why he came unless it was to learn something in Germany and return to -England.” - -Von Stromberg gave a dry chuckle. - -“The supposition does not flatter his intelligence or mine. Aside -from the difficulties of his position at present, if he were seeking -information as to the plans of the Empire, he would have about as much -chance of getting away from here alive as you would have, Herr Rizzio, -in the same circumstances.” - -The old man towered to his full height and brought his huge fist down -with a crash upon the table which startled Rizzio, who fingered his -mustache, his face a shade paler. - -“I am glad, Excellenz,” he said with a laugh, “that I am not in -Hammersley’s shoes.” - -Disregarding Rizzio’s comment, the old man paced the floor again, -storming. - -“The other question that I would like to ask you is, what has become of -Herr Maxwell?” - -Rizzio started up, now in genuine concern. - -“Have you not heard from him, Excellenz?” - -“No,” roared the other. “Why haven’t I? You should know.” - -“I do not know. I saw him the day I left London for Scotland. He was -fully informed of all that had happened. Could it be that----” - -Rizzio paused with a deep frown. - -“Where is he? Why has he not reported? Could anything have happened to -him? What were you thinking?” - -“That Hammersley perhaps--but that could hardly be--since he always -moved under cover----” - -“_Du lieber Jesu!_ Speak out! Will you?” - -“I thought that Hammersley might have been the cause of his arrest.” - -“Oh, you think that? Why?” - -“Because it was Hammersley who told the War Office of Byfield----” - -“What proof have you of that?” - -“No one knew of Byfield’s connection with us but Hammersley, Maxwell -and myself.” - -“Those were my orders. How do I know that they were obeyed?” - -“One doesn’t disobey orders, Excellenz, with one’s head in a noose.” - -“H--m. There are many necks in nooses at Windenberg. And one of the -nooses will be tightened.” - -He had stopped before Rizzio and was scowling at him with eyes that -shot malevolence. Rizzio knew something of von Stromberg’s methods -and was sure that he was merely trying to intimidate him, to reduce -him to a consistency which would reveal hidden weaknesses in texture; -yet, knowing this, Rizzio felt most uncomfortable. He twirled his -mustache and looked out of the window, but his glance came back to -von Stromberg’s eyes, which never wavered or changed in intensity, as -though under the influence of some strange hypnotic attraction. - -“You know, of course,” the old man’s harsh voice snapped at him, “what -Herr Hammersley accuses you of?” - -“I can imagine, Excellenz.” - -“He says that you have been acting for the English Government.” - -Rizzio started up in alarm. - -“You do not for a moment believe----” - -“Don’t get excited. I believe nothing--which I do not wish to believe. -But he tells a very pretty story, Herr Rizzio.” - -“He would,” said Rizzio easily. “I will do him the credit of saying -that he is skillful. But a lie will discover itself in the end.” - -“Exactly. I am glad you agree with me. What I now propose to do is to -set the lie in motion. The easiest way to provoke a liar is to put him -upon the defensive. You and Hammersley shall debate the matter. I shall -be the judge of the debate. We shall see what we shall see.” - -He strode to the table and was about to touch the bell when Rizzio -broke in. - -“One moment, Excellenz. I should like to know on what he bases his -accusation.” - -“Humph! Not weakening, Rizzio?” - -“Hardly, Excellenz,” the other smiled. “It will not be difficult for me -to verify my statements if Hammersley will only talk.” - -“You need not fear. He will talk.” - -“What I wanted to know, Excellenz, was the nature of the information -received in the yellow packet. Would you permit----?” - -“Not yet, Herr Rizzio, not yet. The contents of the message will -come in time. For the present there is quite enough to occupy Herr -Hammersley’s mind--and yours.” - -Rizzio shrugged. “As you please. I would like to know, however, before -you summon him, whether his accusation is based on my attempt upon his -life.” - -Von Stromberg chuckled. “Is not that enough to prejudice a man--if he -were honest?” - -“Yes, if he were honest,” said Rizzio. “Did he have any authority for -his belief?” - -“Yes, Herr Rizzio,” said the General, fixing Rizzio with his stare. “He -told me that Maxwell had learned it from Byfield.” - -“Byfield!” Rizzio started forward quickly. “Hammersley is a fool. -Have I not told Excellenz that Byfield knew nothing whatever of my -connection with the affair?” - -Von Stromberg stretched his long arms impatiently. - -“Herr Maxwell, unfortunately, is silent. Captain Byfield is in a -position where the only questions that can be put to him will be those -at the Gates of Heaven by his Maker.” - -He gave the bell on the table a resounding blow and grinned mischievously -at Rizzio. - -“You say that Herr Hammersley is a fool. He asserts that you are one. I -shall now smoke a cigar and decide for myself which of you is correct.” - -And, as the soldier entered, “Tell Herr Hammersley that I wish to see -him here at once.” - -“I can only say, Excellenz,” said Rizzio, when the man went out, “that -I am willing to abide by your verdict.” - -“Even though it should be unfavorable to yourself?” growled von -Stromberg. - -“That, Excellenz, is quite impossible.” - -“I have known stranger things to happen. The worst aspect of your case -is that Herr Hammersley is here. There was no need for him to come. -You yourself admit that. He had only to stay in England to devote his -talents to a more congenial occupation.” Von Stromberg puffed on his -cigar and leaned across the table. “Can you tell me why Herr Hammersley -came to Germany? Answer me correctly, Rizzio, and I will give you every -masterpiece in Belgium.” - -Rizzio frowned into the fire. - -“I cannot say,” he replied. “I have admitted that he has puzzled me. -I can only think of one thing. Hammersley is a type of man who under -the guise of inefficiency does all things well. He is a sportsman. He -would do such a thing for the love of adventure, because the danger, -the excitement, appealed to him--because it was the ‘sporting thing.’” - -“A reason, Rizzio,” muttered von Stromberg, “but not the real reason.” - -Rizzio started and a smile broke at the corners of his lips. - -“Oh! You realize, then, that there is something else--something----?” -He paused. - -“I realize nothing,” growled the General. “Realization, Rizzio, is the -one banality of existence! Uncertainty is the only thing worth while. -When one is certain of anything it ceases to be interesting. That is -why Herr Hammersley, whom you call a fool in one breath and a genius in -the next, excites my profound attention. Come, I think you will agree -with me that he is worth it.” - -“I do not like Hammersley, Excellenz.” - -“_Natürlich!_ But that need not prevent your interest in him, even -though your interest is largely in his death.” - -The phrase was significant, delivered significantly, and in spite of -himself Rizzio felt the gaze of the General piercing his veneer. - -“I could feel no happiness in such a misfortune,” he said gravely, -“notwithstanding my dislike of him.” - -A knock at the door interrupted further conversation and, at a command -from the General, Hammersley entered. - - - - -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 is the -attitude of discomposure. One thinks more calmly sitting down. You -have my permission. So--Now we will proceed. I will outline in the -briefest words the situation. Herr Hammersley, an agent of the Secret -Service Department of the Imperial Government, is intrusted with the -receipt and delivery of certain secret messages. He receives them, -but is requested by Herr Rizzio, also an agent of the Secret Service -Department of the Imperial Government, on authority of indubitable -credentials, to relinquish the message to Herr Rizzio. It is not -necessary to state the reasons of the Imperial Secret Service -Department in desiring the transfer of this message. It is sufficient -that Herr Hammersley refused to obey the orders. He has given -explanations which, on their face, seem adequate. Upon the side of Herr -Rizzio it may be said that, failing in his object, he came to a certain -conclusion most unflattering to the loyalty of Herr Hammersley. We will -now proceed in orderly fashion to hear the cause of Herr Hammersley’s -refusal and the subsequent acts of Herr Rizzio which have created so -great a misunderstanding. Herr Hammersley, _bitte_, you will tell us -the facts as you have related them.” - -“I learned from Herr Maxwell that Herr Rizzio was playing a double -game. Captain Byfield had furnished him with full proofs of it, one of -which was a letter he had seen from Herr Rizzio to a military officer -high in the councils of the War Office. This was an additional reason, -Excellenz, why Herr Maxwell arranged with Captain Byfield that the -cigarette papers should be delivered to me.” - -Rizzio leaned quickly forward, his face dark with passion. “Excellenz,” -he began, “that could not possibly be true. The real reason for the -delivery of the message to Herr Hammersley Excellenz well knows. And -Herr Maxwell would hardly send men to follow Herr Hammersley at my -request if he disbelieved in my loyalty.” - -“Quite so. He would not and did not,” said Hammersley. “The men were -not Herr Maxwell’s. They were men of Scotland Yard. It is quite obvious -by the way they bungled matters.” - -The General smiled delightedly. It was the sort of joke he liked. “That -is one point in your favor, Hammersley.” - -Rizzio shrugged. - -“Excellenz well knows,” he said, “why those men were sent. They had -instructions to get the papers for Maxwell.” - -“That is strange,” said Hammersley. “If Maxwell had asked me personally -for the papers, I should have given them to him. Maxwell would have -known better than to intrust those papers to a third person. It is not -likely that I should have given them up to any man, even if Maxwell had -sent him.” - -“It is unfortunate that Herr Maxwell is not here to----” - -“One moment, Herr Rizzio,” broke in the General. Then to Hammersley, -“What was the nature of the letter which you say was sent by Herr -Rizzio to a high official of the War Office?” - -“It was a statement in regard to the case of Carl Hüber, who, as you -know, was shot last week in the Tower of London.” - -“_Ach!_” Von Stromberg frowned. “We are killing our evidence too fast, -_mein herr_, a little too fast for convenience. _Bitte_, we will kill -no more German agents in the Tower until they have had an opportunity -to testify.” - -Hammersley smiled. - -“Unfortunately, Excellenz, I have no means of restoring him to life,” -he said. “He was an excellent man, and leaves, I believe, a wife and -six children.” - -Von Stromberg tapped his fingers slowly. - -“We will go on, if you please, with the discussion of the general -facts. You claim that Herr Maxwell, distrusting Rizzio, arranged that -the papers should be handed from Captain Byfield to you. I have told -you that Maxwell had orders from me to put you to this test?” - -“Pardon, Excellenz. I did not know that at the time. I only know -that Herr Maxwell chose to disregard your orders to him and Rizzio, -instructing me not to deliver the papers to Rizzio under any -circumstances.” - -“When did Herr Maxwell make the discovery of Herr -Rizzio’s--er--treachery?” - -“It was the evening of Lady Heathcote’s dinner. Captain Byfield had -learned the truth that afternoon.” - -“One moment!” Rizzio rose, his face pale with anger. “It is easy -to manufacture evidence of this kind, where both of the witnesses -mentioned are beyond reach. I will not even deny the truth of their -charges. They are too absurd. If I was acting for England, will Herr -Hammersley tell me why the agents of Scotland Yard, whom he says I sent -for, did not surround the house at Ashwater Park and boldly demand the -papers from Miss Mather, in the name of the Government and the law?” - -“The reasons are obvious,” replied Hammersley. “I will give Herr Rizzio -the credit for that much delicacy. If his men had found the papers at -Ashwater Park, Fräulein Mather, whom Herr Rizzio esteems most highly -and who was quite innocent, would have eventually been imprisoned by -the Government as a spy. At his orders the house was therefore secretly -searched by night, I am happy to say, unsuccessfully. Herr Rizzio will -surely not deny the kindness of his motives upon that occasion?” - -“Excellenz will take that reply for what it is worth. Scotland Yard -has never permitted sentimental considerations to interfere with the -performance of its duties.” - -Hammersley went on stolidly: “I cannot conceive of any agents of -Germany attempting to kill me. This my pursuers did at Saltham -Rocks and again in the person of Rizzio himself on the cliffs at -Beaufort Head--even, Excellenz”--Hammersley leaned forward, smiling -blandly--“even after he knew that I had met Captain Stammer and -conveyed my acceptance of Excellenz’s invitation to return to Germany.” - -“I was not sure that he would go.” - -“If not for any other reasons, Excellenz, the pursuit of the agents of -Scotland Yard would have been sufficient. Fortunately, however, I had -intended going as the bearer of the Byfield message. And I carried it. -You can’t deny that.” - -“He brought a message, Excellenz,” put in Rizzio quickly. “But what -message? There were two messages. One prepared by Captain Byfield--the -other prepared by Hammersley.” - -“I do not deny that. When I discovered that I was likely to have -an interesting evening I made a copy of the papers in a package of -Riz-la-Croix which I had in my----” - -Rizzio broke in quickly. “That copy was made not at Lady Heathcote’s -that night, but at the War Office or elsewhere the following day. It -was prepared for the emergency of capture and, escaping that, for -delivery to General von Stromberg.” - -“General von Stromberg has been told about those papers. I have told -him where and when I made the copy.” - -“And where was that?” asked Rizzio keenly. - -“In the library at Lady Heathcote’s while you were telephoning to -Scotland Yard.” - -Rizzio struggled for control, and then with dignity to von Stromberg, -“I was telephoning to Herr Maxwell, Excellenz.” He turned to Hammersley -with a confident smile. “Assuming for the moment that what you say -about copying the papers is true, what did you do with the copy?” - -“I took it out to the motor, where I slipped it down the window sash,” -Hammersley laughed. “Surely, Rizzio, the tall man from Scotland Yard -must have told you that when I escaped I shouted to him that he had not -searched the motor.” - -General von Stromberg broke in suddenly. - -“Why did you say that?” - -Hammersley shrugged. “I had injured their motor, and I knew that I -should escape. The bravado of triumph, Excellenz. I was rather happy, -for, as a fact, they had given me an uncomfortable evening.” - -Rizzio leaned across the table. - -“Excellenz, it was to draw attention from the girl, who had the -original message and who had concealed herself in a tree.” - -General von Stromberg took a small object from his pocket and weighed -it lightly in the fingers of one hand. It was the package of -Riz-la-Croix. As Hammersley was about to speak, he held up the other -hand in demand for silence. - -“We are not getting very far, _meine Herren_,” he said. “Both of you -tell excellent stories of your adventures worthy of the best traditions -of the Secret Service Department. If, as Herr Rizzio alleges, Herr -Hammersley has substituted other papers for the original ones burned by -Miss Doris Mather, Herr Hammersley will be shot. If, as Herr Hammersley -alleges, Herr Rizzio was in communication with Scotland Yard, the -officers of which attempted the life of Herr Hammersley while he bore -dispatches for me, Herr Rizzio will be shot. It is a very delicate -matter, _meine Herren_, one which will require much thought, since the -one man who could settle the question is in an English prison.” - -Hammersley started a pace forward. “Oh, then he _is_ taken!” - -Rizzio glanced quickly at Hammersley. - -“Excellenz, the same person who caused the arrest of Captain Byfield -gave Maxwell to the police.” - -Von Stromberg’s gaze followed Rizzio’s to Hammersley. - -“And you, Herr Hammersley. What do you suggest?” - -“If the report is true, Excellenz, I quite agree with Herr Rizzio,” he -said easily. - -Von Stromberg showed his teeth in a wolfish smile. - -“And each of you contends that it was the other, _nicht wahr_?” - -Hammersley merely nodded, but Rizzio was by this time in a state which -made self-control an impossibility. “Excellenz,” he cried hotly, “is it -conceivable that I should have come to Germany if I had been guilty -of the crime of which this man accuses me? I have served Germany -against----” - -“You forget, Herr Rizzio,” said the General blandly, “that Herr -Hammersley has also come to Germany.” - -“And while he is here Germany is in danger. He is a spy of England, -Excellenz.” - -Hammersley only laughed. - -“If I had been a spy of England, Excellenz, I surely had many chances -to serve England’s cause. Why should I have even met Captain Stammer -at Beaufort Cove? It would have been quite easy to have informed the -artillery officer at Innerwick and blown his destroyer out of the water -while she lay at anchor? Herr Rizzio forgets that honesty is always -provided with proof. In reply to this accusation, I would ask Herr -Rizzio how he managed to pass through the cordon of British destroyers -which guard the coast?” - -Rizzio hesitated and von Stromberg spoke. - -“That is a fair question. Answer.” - -“I had English papers as well as German. I came away before the War -Office had time to act upon Herr Hammersley’s information as to my -services to Germany.” - -Hammersley shrugged. “I make no reply.” - -Von Stromberg frowned at the opposite wall, snapping the papers of the -package in his fingers impatiently. - -“An _impasse_! I suspected as much. We will now resort to other means. -The only possible solution of this case, barring the unpleasant -alternative of shooting both of you gentlemen in the garden this -afternoon lies in the nature of the dispatches themselves and in the -production of a material witness.” - -He brought his broad palm down on the bell upon the table and said to -Captain von Winden, who answered it: - -“You will bring Fräulein Doris Mather down to this room at once.” -As Captain von Winden went out, the eyes of both men were turned to -Hammersley. He started in surprise, and leaned forward toward von -Stromberg, slowly turning with a frown to Rizzio. - -“Doris--Miss Mather--here!” he muttered. “She came--with--with Herr -Rizzio?” - -Von Stromberg nodded. - -“Herr Rizzio persuaded her to come with him.” - -“Persuaded! It is impossible.” He rose and took a pace toward Rizzio. -“What could have been his object? I do not understand. It will be very -cruel for her to--to see me--since she knows that I am an enemy of -England, Excellenz. She it was who read the papers and burned them. -If Herr Rizzio supposes that Fräulein Mather’s evidence will----” He -paused, his brow knitting in thought. - -“Her evidence is important,” said von Stromberg. “Under the circumstances -you should be glad to have such an enemy to testify against you. Sit -down, Herr Hammersley. I regret that the necessities of the case require -this witness.” - -Hammersley sat and, frowning at the wall opposite, folded his arms. “I -am at your orders, Excellenz. I need not remind you that she will tell -the truth.” - -“That,” said von Stromberg, with a wide wave of the hand, “is precisely -what we are here for.” - -There was a silence, grim and amusing on von Stromberg’s part, -self-restrained on Rizzio’s. Hammersley still sat staring at the wall, -thoughtful and apparently in no great enjoyment of the prospect. - -When the door opened and Doris Mather entered the three men rose. Her -face was pale and lines of care were at her eyes and lips, but there -was no denying the proud poise of her head, the firmness of her mouth -and the steady look from her eyes as her glance passed Rizzio and -Hammersley and sought the figure of the man in uniform. She measured -him with a look that neglected nothing, her gaze finally meeting the -dark shadow under the gray thatch of brows where his small eyes gleamed -at her. The General bowed, clicked his heels together and brought -forward a chair, which he indicated with a polite gesture. - -“I offer apologies, Fräulein, for the unfortunate situation in which -Destiny has placed you,” he said in excellent English. “Will you be -seated?” - -The girl sat and faced him, her gaze still fixed upon his face. It -was as though she meant to ignore the presence of the other two men. -General von Stromberg stared at her for a moment in silence, and then, -finding that his frown was only met by a look of calm inquiry, smiled -at her instead. - -“You know, of course, Fräulein, the situation with which you are -confronted. Herr Rizzio has brought you to Germany to shed what light -you can upon the mystery of these cigarette papers. Herr Hammersley -says that Herr Rizzio has been acting as an agent of the English -Government while professedly in the service of Germany. Herr Rizzio -says that Herr Hammersley is an English spy. Your position is a -difficult one, but circumstances have woven you into a piece of -international politics. Your testimony is of the utmost importance--to -one--perhaps both of these gentlemen.” - -“I--I will do what I can to enlighten you,” she said haltingly. “What -do you wish to know?” - -General von Stromberg beamed on her. - -“_Ach_, I am glad you take the sensible view of things.” He waved the -package of cigarette papers in his fingers. “You have seen this object -before?” - -“Yes, I think so. Will you let me look at it?” - -The General moved his chair closer and put the papers in her fingers. -She opened the papers and finding the message, scanned it closely, -reading the writing with deliberateness and then looking up into von -Stromberg’s face. - -“You have seen this before?” - -“Yes.” - -“Where?” - -“At Lady Heathcote’s house in Scotland.” - -“How did it come into your hands?” - -“I found it on the floor of Mr. Hammersley’s room.” - -“The night Herr Rizzio entered it, thinking it was yours?” - -“Yes. That was the time.” - -“You are quite sure?” - -“Quite.” - -“How did you identify it?” - -“By certain peculiar characteristics of the handwriting, with which I -am familiar.” - -“Mr. Hammersley’s, is it not?” - -“Yes.” - -“And how did this package of papers go out of your possession?” - -“Mr.--Mr. Hammersley took them from me.” - -“By force?” - -She raised her chin proudly and looked at her questioner and then -lowered her eyes, replying quietly: - -“Yes.” - -“There was another package of cigarette papers of the same make as -these?” - -“There was.” - -“You read them?” - -“I did.” - -“Was this before or after you found the second package--these which I -now have in my hand?” - -“Before.” - -“How long before?” - -“It was the night of Lady Heathcote’s dinner in London--the night Mr. -Hammersley took me home in the machine.” - -“The night you were followed by men in another machine?” - -“Yes.” - -“You escaped to Ashwater Park with the package of papers which Herr -Hammersley had given you and, after hiding in a tree, in the privacy of -your room read these papers?” - -“I did.” - -“Were the contents of the papers you read at Ashwater Park the same as -those you hold in your hand?” - -“As nearly as I can remember, they were, exactly.” - -“Word for word?” - -“I cannot say that. There were certain names and certain figures that -I remember very clearly as being exactly the same. I--I----” she -hesitated. “There were reasons why, in the state of mind that I was in, -what I saw remained impressed upon my memory.” - -Hammersley throughout had sat immovable. But Rizzio, who had shown -signs of anxiety, now interrupted. - -“Excellenz, I beg----” - -Von Stromberg silenced him with a gesture. - -“If you will be pleased to continue, Fräulein. Do you remember the -numerals?” - -“Some of them.” - -“And the towns and dates?” - -“Some of them.” - -“And are they, the ones that you remember, identical in both packets?” - -“As far as I can remember.” - -Von Stromberg took the packet from her hands and turned it over in his -fingers. - -“There is nothing about this packet, no distinguishing mark that would -make it different from the other, the one that was burned?” - -“None, except the handwriting.” - -“H-m.” General von Stromberg put the packet into an inside pocket and -buttoned his coat carefully. - -“So far--so good. You are an intelligent witness, Fräulein.” - -“Thank you.” If the words of her questioner contained an ulterior -suggestion, the girl gave every indication of being oblivious to it, -listening with a grave calmness to his next question. - -“When you escaped into the tree, were you in a position to hear what -went on in the road?” - -“I was.” - -“The men in the road searched Herr Hammersley?” - -“They did.” - -“And at last he escaped?” - -“Yes.” - -“Do you remember hearing him shout anything as his motor moved away?” - -“Yes.” - -“What was it?” - -“That they hadn’t searched the machine or words to that effect.” - -Von Stromberg glanced at Rizzio, who was leaning forward in his chair, -eager to speak. - -“Well, Herr Rizzio?” he asked. - -“That was a diversion--intended to give Miss Mather more time in which -to escape. The second package was not in the motor. At that time there -was no second package.” - -Doris Mather’s voice was raised just a trifle, but for the moment it -dominated. - -“There was. Mr. Hammersley put it into the window sash, when he was in -danger of capture.” - -“Then why didn’t he put them both there?” - -“I suppose because he wanted to be sure that one of them would reach -its destination.” - -Von Stromberg grunted. “I see. But why did you help Mr. Hammersley to -save those papers when you knew that they were dangerous to England?” - -“I didn’t know what they were. I did what he asked me to do -because--because----” - -She faltered. - -Von Stromberg waved his hand. - -“Oh, very well. It does not matter. Who did you think was pursuing Mr. -Hammersley?” - -“Agents of Mr. Rizzio.” - -“Why did you think that?” - -“Because I heard part of what happened between Mr. Rizzio and Mr. -Hammersley in the smoking-room at Lady Heathcote’s and I knew that Mr. -Rizzio had threatened Mr. Hammersley.” - -“Did you think the men who followed you in the other machine were -German agents?” - -Doris answered quickly. - -“Oh, no. I was sure that they were men of Scotland Yard.” - -“Are you sure now?” - -“Oh, yes. Subsequent events have proved it to me conclusively.” - -“Oh! What events?” - -“The things that Mr. Rizzio did and what he wrote.” - -“He wrote--to you?” - -“Yes.” - -Rizzio was swallowing uneasily, his face pale, his hands trembling. - -“Excellenz, I can explain at another time.” - -Von Stromberg regarded him coolly. - -“I will hear you at another time. For the present, Fräulein Mather will -speak. What did Mr. Rizzio write to you that led you to think that Mr. -Rizzio was in communication with Scotland Yard?” - -“This letter, Excellenz.” She put her fingers into her waist and handed -a crumpled paper to the General. Rizzio had risen again and would have -interposed but von Stromberg waved him aside. - -“You will all keep silence until questioned,” he said abruptly, and -then smoothing the letter upon his knee, read it with great care and -deliberateness. Rizzio made an effort at composure but only succeeded -in bringing out a handkerchief and wiping his brows. Hammersley watched -von Stromberg intently. He was not aware of the contents of this letter -but the attitude of the girl was distinctly reassuring. Von Stromberg’s -brow puckered disagreeably and his long nose neared the paper while his -eyes peered at the sheet as though his fiery gaze would burn into it. - -He read the paper through twice and then brought his hand down upon the -table with a crash while his voice thundered at Rizzio, toward whom he -extended the note. - -“It is signed with your initials. Did you write this?” - -Rizzio bent and examined the letter. - -“Excellenz, I did, but it was with the object of bringing Miss Mather -to----” - -“Silence! Perhaps you do not recall its terms. I will refresh your -memory.” - -“Excellenz, if I had not written that letter Miss Mather would not -have----” - -“Be quiet. Sit down. Please listen. ‘I am telling you this,’” he read, -“‘to warn you that my generosity to Hammersley is not actuated by any -love of a man who has spoiled my dearest ambition, but by the continued -esteem with which I still regard yourself. I do not love him; and my -own wish, my duty, my own honor, my loyalty to England all acclaim -that he should be delivered at once to those in authority. And yet I -have refrained--for you, Doris. But I have learned that H---- is in -communication with G---- and that Crenshaw of Scotland Yard is on the -alert. I may not be able to save him.’” - -Von Stromberg paused and laid the letter upon the table. “I could read -more,” he said, “but that is enough. When did you receive this letter, -Fräulein?” - -“The day after Mr. Hammersley was shot----” - -“And, acting upon it, you went to Ben-a-Chielt to try to persuade him -from the cause of Germany.” - -“Yes,” she said clearly. - -“You failed?” - -“I did.” - -“H--m.” The General paused and turned to Rizzio. - -“What have you to say?” - -“Merely, Excellenz, that I thought Miss Mather knew too much for -Germany’s good and I chose this means of getting her to Ben-a-Chielt.” - -“Where she could witness a secret meeting between two officers of my -department? Bah! Herr Rizzio, your story leaks like a sieve. It is full -of holes.” He touched the bell at his elbow and von Winden appeared. -“You will convey Herr Rizzio to the room on the third floor. Put a -guard over him.” - -Rizzio started to his feet, his face ghastly, while beads of moisture -stood out upon his forehead. - -“You will not give me a chance to explain?” he protested huskily. - -“You will be given a hearing tomorrow.” - -“But, Excellenz----” - -“Take him away!” - -As the door closed behind the two men, General von Stromberg came -forward and took Hammersley by the hand. - -“I am glad, _mein Herr_, that there is no longer any suspicion upon -you. I have always liked you, Herr Hammersley, and you have done the -Vaterland excellent service. I am sorry that this investigation was -necessary, but in times like these I am not in a position to take -chances.” - -“I understand, Excellenz. But it hasn’t discommoded me in the least.” - -Von Stromberg laughed. - -“I can readily believe it. You are always as cool as a morning in May. -As for Fräulein Mather,” and he turned ceremoniously to Doris and bowed -deeply, “it has all been a mistake. If the efforts of a councilor of -the Empire in undoing the wrong done you, by sending you with every -comfort and dispatch to England, are any sign of regret, you shall be -safely on the way tomorrow. But I am sure that in your heart you are -glad to have had the opportunity to clear Herr Hammersley of an unjust -suspicion.” - -“Yes,” she murmured, turning away toward the window. - -“But you still wish that the part of Herr Hammersley which is English -had been the greater part of him instead of the lesser, _nicht wahr_?” - -She bowed her head but did not reply. - -“Perhaps it would be better if I left you two alone together. There is -doubtless much that you would say which would be only interesting to -yourselves.” - -And then he went out, closing the door behind him. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI - -THE GENERAL PLAYS TO WIN - - -When General von Stromberg went out of the room Doris turned toward -Cyril, her happiness in her eyes where he could read it if he wished. -But instead of coming to her he made a warning gesture and then walked -slowly around the room, peering out of the windows and listening at -the doors until satisfied that they were unobserved. Then he beckoned -her to a spot out of the line of vision of the door into the adjoining -room. She obeyed it wonderingly while he caught her in his arms and -kissed her passionately. - -“Thank God,” he whispered, “you understood.” - -“Oh, Cyril,” she gasped, “if anything had happened to you----” - -“We must be careful,” he went on, whispering hastily. “My success hangs -by a hair. Tonight--the thing that I came for will be within my reach. -I must have it.” - -“There will be danger?” - -“I hope not. But you must not trust his promises to send you away. You -must get away from here tonight before eleven. I will help you. Before -then I must see you alone. It is not safe to talk here.” - -He pressed her hand hurriedly and moved slowly across the room close to -the wall and door, which he examined as he passed. - -“But, Cyril----” - -A warning finger stopped her. - -“There is no use in your trying to persuade me, old girl,” he said, his -voice raised to a tone which seemed louder than necessary. “I am only -doing my duty as I see it. But whatever happens I can at least remember -that you told the truth.” - -What did he mean? She couldn’t understand. She followed him with her -gaze. The fingers of one hand were tracing the flowers of the wallpaper -upon one side of the room, and as she looked he glanced out of the -window and then got quickly upon a chair and peered into an aperture in -the cornice. - -“I am not sorry for Rizzio,” he said again, dusting off the chair and -replacing it. “He only gets what he deserved. What did he do to you? -How did he find you?” - -A glance at his face showed her that he expected her to reply. - -“I was lost on the moor,” she faltered. “I followed you to Rudha Mor -and saw you leave in the Yellow Dove. When I turned to go back, a cloth -was thrown over my head. They chloroformed me----” - -He muttered an imprecation. “And on the yacht----” - -“I--I had nothing to complain of. He did everything he could for my -comfort.” - -She watched him again moving around the room. At the chimney he paused -and, reaching swiftly upward, lifted the clock and then put it into its -place again, the expression in his face still strained and anxious. - -“I am not sorry for him,” he said again. Suddenly he came to her saying -in such a low whisper that she could hardly hear him, - -“I’m not satisfied. There’s something dangerous in von Stromberg’s -sudden kindness. _Act_, Doris. We are overheard.” And then in louder -tones, “If anything had happened to you----” - -She glanced around her timidly, her initiative suddenly at a loss. - -“N-nothing happened to me,” she repeated bewildered. - -“I would have made another death for him--a man’s death at least.” - -“It is terrible,” she managed to say, “and I will have been the cause -of it.” - -He came closer and took her by the hand, speaking distinctly. - -“And do you regret that it is Rizzio instead of me?” - -“No, no,” she stammered. Her accents of horror were genuine, but it -seemed more horrible that she should be making a farce of her genuine -emotions. Yet Cyril’s eyes impelled her. “It is terrible. I can’t -believe----” - -“General von Stromberg is not a man to make idle threats. I am glad -that I am not in Rizzio’s shoes.” - -She saw him pause, his mouth open, gazing upward at the lithograph of -Emperor William. To Doris the picture merely typified power, ambition, -intolerance of any ideals but those of military glory. But it was not -at the portrait that Cyril was looking. He was examining the frame, -which was swung a little to one side, revealing a patch of unfaded -wallpaper. He looked down into the fireplace thoughtfully and while the -girl wondered what he was going to do next, he whirled suddenly and -moved quickly toward the door into the hall, which he opened swiftly -straight into the face of Captain Wentz, who managed to step back only -in time to avoid it. - -But the officer was equal to the occasion. - -“I was seeking General von Stromberg,” he said coolly. - -“He isn’t here,” Doris heard Cyril say quietly. And then, “I wanted a -glass of water. Fräulein Mather is feeling ill.” - -“Ah! I will have it brought at once.” As he disappeared in the passage -to the kitchen, Cyril closed the door and came in three strides to the -fireplace, reached up and raised the picture from the wall, peering -under it, and touched the surface of the wallpaper with the tips of his -fingers. Then with great care he put the picture back in its place and -bent over Doris close to her ear, whispering: “They suspect. Everything -we have said has been overheard. A microphone! I knew it was here -somewhere.” - -The pallor of her face when the man from the kitchen brought the water -was almost convincing proof of the truth of Hammersley’s statement. -She did look ill, for terror of the situation that confronted them had -driven the blood back to her heart. A moment ago the room had seemed so -friendly, and now every object in it was a menace. And above the mantel -the Emperor of Germany with his upturned mustaches glared down at her -austerely, eloquent of the relentless forces that held them in their -thrall. Behind her she heard Cyril whispering with the man who had -brought the water and realized that it was the tall soldier with the -lame leg who had brought her toast and eggs upstairs. - -“_Danke sehr_, Lindberg,” Cyril said aloud. “She is tired from the -journey.” - -“Perhaps, Herr Hammersley, a little fresh air will help. A stroll in -the kitchen garden.” - -Doris got up in sudden relief as she understood. - -“Yes,” she said. “Perhaps I will feel better in the air.” - -Cyril led the way to the door and together they went out. They heard -sounds of heavy footsteps in the hallway above but did not pause, -making their way along the path which led around the house. Cyril did -not turn toward her, but she heard him speaking. - -“They will call us back. Do not be frightened. If von Stromberg -questions again, answer to the best of your ability. I will find a -means of reaching your room tonight. In the meanwhile keep up your -courage.” - -She did not reply for she heard steps behind her, and turning, found -Captain Wentz, who bowed, taking off his cap. - -“General von Stromberg requests me to ask,” he said in very good -English, “if Miss Mather will not give him the pleasure of joining him -in a cup of chocolate.” - -“He is very kind,” she said slowly with a glance at Cyril. “Of -course--I shall be very glad.” - -The officer replaced his cap and, turning to Hammersley, spoke in -German. - -“His Excellenz also requests that Herr Hammersley will remain within -call.” - -Hammersley bowed. - -“Tell his Excellenz with my compliments that with his permission I will -smoke my pipe here in the kitchen garden.” - -Doris followed the officer into the room they had just left and von -Stromberg joined her almost immediately. - -“_Ach, gnädiges Fräulein_,” he said with his blandest manner, “you -will forgive me for calling you back from your contemplation of the -beauties of this lovely afternoon, but there are certain questions, -merely trifling ones, which have to do with the fate of Herr Rizzio -which I neglected to ask you. You will not begrudge an old man the -privilege of a few words over a cup of chocolate?” - -She smiled at him bravely, as a woman can do, even in a last extremity, -and told him that she was flattered by this mark of his condescension. - -A wave of the hand and Wentz disappeared, while Lindberg, the lame man, -entered with the chocolate. The General had the tray put upon the table -before her and asked her to serve it, standing erect and watching her -with open admiration. Doris was frightened, for she had already seen -the power that this old man possessed. But with an effort she found her -composure and made up her mind that if she was alarmed von Stromberg at -least should not be aware of it. The safest defense against such a man -was audacity. - -“You were feeling ill,” he said, suavely sympathetic. “The long morning -in the train and the strain of your ordeal. It is but natural. A little -cup of chocolate and a biscuit should revive you wonderfully. _Nicht -wahr?_” His English, though excellent, had a slight German accent and -his tone the quality of a lullaby, - -“It is very good,” said Doris. “I have often heard it said that nowhere -in the world is chocolate so excellent as in Germany.” - -“I trust that you may find it so. There are many things beside -chocolate that are excellent in Germany, Fräulein Mather.” - -“I am sure that must be true,” she said politely, touching the cup to -her lips. - -“Then why do you dislike us so much?” he asked with a smile. - -“It is not your people that I dislike so much, General von Stromberg. -Many of the most charming people I have ever known have been Germans. -It is not what you are, but what you want to be, that I dislike; not -your habits or your tastes, but your intolerance of any civilization -which happens to differ from yours.” - -She paused, a little frightened at her temerity, but von Stromberg -still smiled. - -“Go on,” he chuckled, “you speak very prettily.” - -“I am an American, General von Stromberg, from the United States, where -people are accustomed to speak what they feel, without fear of _lèse -majesté_. If the President of the United States did something that I -didn’t like I would write him a letter.” - -“And would he answer it?” he purred. - -“If he had time, yes. If anyone wrote such a letter to your Emperor, he -would be boiled in oil.” - -Von Stromberg roared with delight. “Boiled in oil!” he repeated. - -“Yes--or perhaps some more exquisite cruelty that your ingenious -people have devised,” she said coolly. “To prosaic minds like mine, -Excellenz, you Germans are the wonders of the age. You are both godlike -and Saturnian; a nation of military fanatics, a nation of silly -sentimentalists; a nation trained to scientific brutality, which shares -the sorrows of the dying rose. Which is it that you want us to think -you, the god or the satyr?” - -“We know that we are the god,” he said, showing his teeth, “but we want -you to think us the satyr.” - -“You have succeeded, Excellenz,” she replied calmly. “It is very -pleasant to be sitting here drinking chocolate with a _Geheimrath_--a -councilor of the Empire--but you’ll pardon me if I say that the -peculiarly social pleasure of the occasion is somewhat marred by the -fact that if the whim happened to strike you you could have me strung -up by the thumbs.” - -“You think that I am cruel? _Ach_, no, Fräulein. You are mistaken,” in -his blandest tones. “I have a daughter in East Prussia of just your -age. For that reason I would like to have you think of me a little as -the sentimentalist rather than as the--the brute--as you have been -pleased to suggest. I am not cruel and I shall prove it to you.” - -“In America, Excellenz, we do not make war upon women.” - -“Nor do I make war upon you,” he put in quickly. “I did not bring you -to Germany, Fräulein. Herr Rizzio acted upon his own responsibility. -Even yet, if he is an English agent, I cannot understand his purpose in -bringing such an incriminating document.” - -He smiled as he spoke, but she felt the question and its threat. For a -moment the directness of his attack bewildered her and so she sipped -her chocolate to gain a moment of time. - -“General von Stromberg,” she said at last, as the idea came to her, “I -am told that you have one of the keenest intellects in the Empire of -Germany. I feel much like a child before you, who should see matters -much more clearly than I. There were two reasons why he brought me, one -of which bears upon our personal relations, the other upon his relation -to England. I knew that he possessed your confidence, otherwise he -would not have been in possession of a document which empowered Mr. -Hammersley to give up the secret message of Captain Byfield. I knew -too much. If I had told my friends in England what I knew, his utility -to England would have been gone.” - -“Why? It seems to me that having my confidence would have made his -utility to England the greater.” - -“He would have been suspected of double dealing, would he not?” - -“As a friend of England you would have let him be suspected?” he asked -quietly. “Given evidence against a man whom you knew to be acting in -England’s interests?” - -“There were other--other--interests,” she faltered, “more important to -me than England’s--Mr. Hammersley’s. You have a daughter, Excellenz. -Perhaps you would try to think of me as you would think of her in a -similar situation. When I read those papers at Ashwater Park I knew -that the man to whom I was promised and of whom I had always thought -as an Englishman was acting as a secret agent--a spy of Germany. -He was pursued by agents of the English War Office. I knew that if -his connection with Germany were discovered he would be shot. I was -frightened. I did not know what to do. John Rizzio followed me to -Scotland and tried to get the papers. I refused to give them to him. -And then when--when Mr. Hammersley came I burned them. There was -nothing left for me to do--for England--for him. If there were no -papers there could be no evidence against him.” - -She paused to get her breath, aware that her companion was listening -intently, and fearfully afraid that she was saying too much. - -“And then--?” he asked. - -“And then,” she went on more slowly, “I found the other papers. When -I wouldn’t give them to him, Mr. Hammersley took them away from me. We -quarreled, Excellenz, and I gave him up.” - -“And after that--” - -“After that came Mr. Rizzio’s note asking me to go to Ben-a-Chielt and -see the meeting between Cyr--between Mr. Hammersley and your messenger -in the last hope that I could make Mr. Hammersley give up his plans to -deliver the message to you. As you know I failed. It was there--after -that--that Mr. Rizzio, who had overheard our conversation, tried to -kill Mr. Hammersley, knowing that he had resolved to deliver the -message.” She got up and paced the floor. “Oh, it is so clear, what -Rizzio was, that I wonder that it should be necessary for me to tell it -to you.” - -“Yes, I see. And the other--the personal reasons you mentioned.” - -She hesitated. “It is difficult to speak of them--but I will tell you. -Mr. Rizzio has forfeited all right to my loyalty. He offered to marry -me. I refused him. He told me he would never give me up. In Scotland he -threatened Cyril--Mr. Hammersley’s life. I know now what he meant.” - -“Yes, but in his letter to you he does not threaten. He urges that he -is doing what he can to save Hammersley!” - -“I did not believe him. I was right. Events have proved it. He would -have been glad to see Mr. Hammersley out of the way.” She covered her -face with her hands and sank into her chair again. “Oh,” she whispered, -“it is horrible--horrible. And it is I who must be the instrument of -justice.” - -Von Stromberg waited for a moment, tapping one finger of his left hand -very slowly upon the back of his right. - -“Try to compose yourself, _liebes Fräulein_,” he urged calmly, and, as -she looked up at him: “You say he wanted to be rid of Herr Hammersley. -Can you tell me then, why his men did not shoot him when they had him -prisoner at Ashwater Park gates?” - -“I do not know. Perhaps they would have done so if he hadn’t escaped.” - -Von Stromberg paused again, and then, gently: - -“You love Herr Hammersley a great deal, Fräulein?” - -She bent her gaze upon him appealingly. - -“Would I now be here, Excellenz?” she asked. - -Von Stromberg bent his head and then got up and slowly paced the length -of the room. When he returned there was another note in his voice. It -was still quiet but the legato note had gone, and it was ice-cold. - -“You do well to tell your story through the medium of sentiment which -you well understand, rather than through the medium of logic, which you -do not understand, which no woman understands.” - -At his change of tone she glanced up. He was leering at her -unpleasantly. - -“I do not know what you mean,” she murmured. - -“You are very clever, Fräulein, but your story has a great many holes -in it--little holes which might grow into big ones, if one were -disposed to enlarge them. There are several things which are not at -all clear to me. Of course it must be as apparent to you as it is to -me that if Herr Rizzio was an English agent, by remaining in England -he had nothing to fear from you or anyone else. His object, too, in -bringing you 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. - -“Well? And what have you to say?” - -“It is a lie!” she managed to stammer. “He lies--lies, I tell you!” - -“_Ach!_ If I could believe you! Why should he lie? Unlike the case of -Rizzio, Herr Hammersley has not robbed Herr Maxwell of a bride.” - -“There is a mistake----” - -“I fear not.” - -“But why should Mr. Hammersley have come? He would have been safe in -England----” - -“He himself says to the contrary----” - -She was breaking fast and he sought further to involve her. - -“He did not have to come. Why should he have come?” she asked wildly, -rising to her feet and laying her hands upon his arm. “Answer me that, -Excellenz.” - -For reply he turned away from her abruptly and walked the length of the -room to an end window, where he stood for a moment looking out. - -“Come, Fräulein, and I will show you something.” - -She approached him blindly and followed his gaze around the corner -of the building. Upon a tree stump in the kitchen garden, looking -out across the fields toward the wooded hills sat Hammersley, calmly -smoking. - -“Half of his blood is English, half Prussian, Fräulein, but it is the -English in him that dominates. Is there anything that is Prussian about -him? Tell me. From the crown of his head to the sole of his foot--his -pipe, his bent shoulders, his careless air--he is English, all English. -He knows that at this moment I am weighing his fate in the balance and -yet he smokes his short wooden pipe. If he has Prussian blood it is a -pity, for Germany needs all the Prussian blood that flows red in the -veins of men.” He paused and then abruptly, “But the Prussian blood -must be sacrificed with the English----” - -She fell back from him, deathly white, groping for a chair to support -her. - -“You mean----” she whispered. - -“That I can take no chances. He will be shot tomorrow.” - -“O God! He is loyal to Germany. I swear it.” Her utterance was choked. -Her breath came with difficulty. The room darkened suddenly and she -seemed about to swoon. She dropped to her knees beside the armchair, -clinging to it, trying to speak, but no words would come. She was aware -of his hawk-like face bending over her as though in the act of striking -its prey and she heard his voice at her ear. - -“There is one chance to save him.” - -She reached his hand and clung to it. - -“A chance--what--” - -“Tell me the truth,” he said sternly. - -“I--I have told you the truth. He is innocent.” - -He loosened her fingers and stood away. - -“_Quatsch!_” he muttered, leaning forward. “The truth, girl!” - -“I--I----” - -She fell against the chair and clung to it for support. - -“The truth, and he becomes an honorable prisoner of war. Silence, and -he is shot tomorrow. Speak.” - -[Illustration: “The truth, and he becomes an honorable prisoner of war. -Silence, and he is shot tomorrow. Speak.”] - -“He is----” The words choked her. “He is----” - -“Bah!” he growled, moving toward the table. “You have already convicted -him!” - -She struggled to her feet and followed him. He was about to touch the -bell when she caught his arm. - -“Wait!” she whispered. “What guarantee have I that he will not be -injured?” - -He shrugged and laughed. “I need give no guarantee now, Fräulein. This -is not a court of law! I am the judge of what constitutes proof. You -have testified.” - -He shook her off and sounded the bell, which was immediately answered -by Udo von Winden. - -“You will conduct Fräulein Mather to her room upstairs. Lock the door -and bring me the key. Then tell Herr Hammersley that I am waiting to -see him.” - - - - -CHAPTER XVII - -LINDBERG - - -When Hammersley entered the house with von Winden he was immediately -aware that a crisis had come in his affairs, for in the hall leading -to the living-room stood Captain Wentz and two soldiers, and when he -was shown into von Stromberg’s presence, the Councilor stood with his -back to the hearth, his long legs wide apart, his hands behind his back -and the expression of his long, bony face was not pleasant to see. He -smiled and frowned at the same time--a smile which possessed so few -of the ingredients of humor that the tangled brows even seemed less -ominous. Doris was nowhere to be seen. Hammersley made no sign of his -prescience of trouble. He put his pipe in the pocket of his leather -jacket, strolled forward into the room and stood at attention. “Search -him!” snapped von Stromberg. And when von Winden had finished, “Leave -us,” he said to the officer, “and keep within call, I shall need you -presently.” He waited until the door was closed and then turned to -Hammersley somberly. - -“Your jig is danced, Herr Hammersley, Fräulein Mather has confessed.” - -“Confessed what, Excellenz?” questioned Hammersley calmly. - -“She has told the truth.” - -“Of course, that was to be expected of her.” - -“Bah!” roared the General. “There’s no need of more of that. She told -me that you were an English spy.” - -Hammersley started forward, the only expression on his face one of -complete incredulity. “Fräulein Mather told you that? Impossible!” - -“Do you mean to say that you don’t believe me?” - -Hammersley managed a smile. - -“It would hardly be good ethics for me to say that. I simply repeat -that it is impossible.” - -“Why?” Von Stromberg sneered. - -“Because it is morally impossible for her to tell an untruth.” - -“_Ach_, so. But it is _physically_ impossible for her to keep from -_not_ doing so.” He leaned forward, grinning craftily. “In the small -games of life, in the things which amount to nothing, women lie with a -careless skill that is amazing, but in a game of life and death, their -little tricks are negligible. Pouf! Herr Hammersley, did you expect to -match mere falsehood and such a tissue of flimsy evidence against a -man of my experience? It was a desperate game from the beginning--one -which could have had only one end. You have been clever--very, very -clever. In time, perhaps, under proper guidance and with the necessary -political opinions, you could have succeeded in becoming a very useful -helper of the Universe, through the medium of the Secret Service -Department of the German Empire. But such cleverness is superficial and -quickly burns out in the hotter fire of genius. I would like you to -know--” - -“One moment, Excellenz,” put in Hammersley coolly. “Am I to understand -from your attitude that you believe I am false to the Vaterland?” - -Von Stromberg laughed. - -“You still insist on acting out the part?” - -Hammersley did not answer the question. Instead he asked, “Will you be -good enough to tell me upon what new evidence you base your present -position?” - -The Councilor strode to the table and thrust the telegraphic message he -had shown to the girl under Hammersley’s nose. - -“This,” he growled. “I will read it to you. ‘Hammersley caused arrest -of Byfield. Has informed on Rizzio and myself----’ It’s signed -‘Maxwell.’ What do you think of my evidence?” He grinned, “Convincing, -_nicht wahr_?” - -Hammersley looked up into von Stromberg’s face with a smile. - -“Not even in code, Excellenz? It is a pity you did not write it in -English. But under the circumstances you can’t expect me to take any -interest in such a trick.” - -“Not you, Herr Hammersley,” he chuckled. “It is not necessary that -you should believe in it. In fact there are reasons why you shouldn’t -believe in it, the most important reason being that Herr Maxwell is -dead.” - -“Dead!” - -“Obviously. You condemned him and he was put in prison. If he is not -dead it is through no fault of yours.” - -Hammersley smiled. “You cannot get me to acquiesce in such strange -statements.” - -“I do not ask you to acquiesce. I could not expect to catch Herr -Hammersley by a trick. But Miss Mather was less difficult.” - -Hammersley’s jaws set. “I understand. But do you mean to say that I -can be incriminated by a confession made under the stress of a terror -artificially produced?” - -“That is a clever turn of phrase, Herr Hammersley, worthy of the high -regard with which I hold your abilities. In reply I can only say -that in time of war my deductions in all matters connected with my -department are final. You are an English spy, Herr Hammersley, and you -are quite aware of the penalty.” - -Hammersley raised his head and folded his arms. “Quite,” he replied, -“if you choose to take that action. I can only say that the time will -come when you will regret it.” - -“I must take that chance, for there will be no trial.” - -Hammersley shrugged his shoulders and turned aside. His face was white -and the muscles at his jaws worked for a moment, but otherwise he gave -no sign of emotion. General von Stromberg had gone back to his favorite -pose by the mantel and Hammersley again heard his voice. - -“It seems a pity, Herr Hammersley, that after all it should be you -instead of Herr Rizzio who is the culprit. You are a type of young -man very much to my liking, and the position of the young lady is -unpleasant in the extreme. She has served her purpose here and I shall, -of course, take immediate steps to have her returned to her own people.” - -“Thanks,” said Hammersley dryly. - -“But the thing that has interested me in your case from the first,” -he continued with a return of his mastodonic playfulness, “and indeed -still continues to interest me, is why you should choose to return to -Germany when you knew that you were under suspicion. Surely you did not -come here to pick cowslips in March? Come now, I could have you shot -this afternoon if I chose. Tell me the truth and I will promise to -postpone the affair until tomorrow.” - -Hammersley studied the pattern in the rug thoughtfully for a moment, -and at last he straightened and shrugged again. - -“I don’t suppose there is any use playing the game further. Since I am -to go, it doesn’t matter if I tell you. I have planned for some time to -be able to get plans of the recent additions to the fortifications of -Strassburg.” - -“_Ach, so._ Strassburg! And what, may I ask, were to be your means of -procuring them?” - -“That, of course, since my utility has ceased, cannot possibly be of -interest to you.” - -Von Stromberg studied him narrowly for a long moment and then wagged -his head sagely. It was an unnecessary suspicion that he had cherished. -This had been a case with interesting aspects, but after all it was -not much out of the usual way. An English spy betrayed by the simplest -of tricks upon the credulity and affection of a woman. He thought that -Hammersley had been after bigger game. Plans, fortifications--the same -objects, the same methods. Von Stromberg had tried to puzzle out in -the mazes of his wonderful brain the possible chance that this man -could have had of learning of the whereabouts of Herr Gottschalk’s -memoranda and of the momentous decision which had been reached in the -Wilhelmstrasse with regard to them. He studied Hammersley closely, -with something approaching regret that the contest between them -could not have been waged at greater length and for higher stakes. -He felt a genuine human sorrow at this moment over the impending -fate of this handsome young man who was only doing his duty for the -fatuous English. It was too bad. But there was much else to do. -Tomorrow his mission in this part of the Empire would be ended and the -Wilhelmstrasse was calling. He touched the bell upon the table and -Captain Wentz entered. - -“Herr Hammersley is to be taken to the room on the third floor. Tonight -you will see that he is securely bound and a guard set over him, within -the room. You will place another guard outside below his window. If he -tries to escape, shoot him.” - -Wentz spoke to the man in the hall and Hammersley, between them, was -led to the foot of the steps, and followed his captors to the upper -story. He knew, in view of the instructions that he had overheard, that -any effort to escape would be fruitless. He sat on the edge of the -bed submitting calmly while his feet and hands were bound under the -direction of Captain Wentz; after which the officers went out, leaving -a man to guard him, and locked the door. Hammersley rolled over on the -bed and lay for a long while staring at the wall. The day was fading -into dusk. Five o’clock, it might be, Hammersley guessed. Six hours or -less remained to him in which to act. Six hours in which he must lie -helpless while the one chance of intercepting the messenger from Berlin -came and passed. He lay perfectly still as he had fallen, but his -spirit writhed in agony. - -Doris was in a room near him, likewise a prisoner, aware of the fate in -store for him and able to do nothing but wait as he would wait until -the shots were fired below there in the garden, which would be the end -of all things for him. He found that he was thinking little of himself. -It was Doris and what she must be suffering that occupied the moments -of his thoughts which were not given to the remote chances of escape. - -His bonds were tightly drawn--a rope tied with German thoroughness. -He moved his hands behind him and tried to gain a little room for his -present ease. If he was to be shot tomorrow morning it would have -seemed indeed a small charity to have permitted him to pass his last -night in some degree of comfort. Could it be that, after all, von -Stromberg suspected the real object of his return? That hardly seemed -possible; for his informant in Berlin, a woman close to those in high -authority, had made every move with the utmost discretion and his own -relations to Lindberg could not possibly be suspected. - -Lindberg! Hammersley turned and looked at his guard who was standing -motionless by the window, gazing out at the fading landscape. Lindberg -was his one, his last desperate hope. Udo von Winden, his cousin-- It -was too much to hope that Udo would be of service to him. He had caught -a glimpse of Udo’s face in the hallway downstairs when von Stromberg’s -orders were given. He had gone pale and stared at him in pity and -horror as Hammersley had gone up the stairs, but Hammersley knew that -the ties of kinship, the memories of their boyhood together, were -nothing beside the iron will and indomitable authority of the great man -who had condemned him. Udo would suffer when Hammersley died, for there -had been a time when the two had been much to each other, but he would -do his duty, however painful, as a small unit of the relentless machine -which Hammersley had had the temerity to oppose. What else could be -expected? - -A word, a sign, the slightest aid to such a prisoner, and he would be -as guilty as his cousin. Hammersley knew that he did Udo no injustice -in supposing that any help from such a source was out of the question. -If Udo had been caught in England as Hammersley was caught in Germany, -Hammersley knew that he could do nothing to save him. - -But Lindberg! Here the case was different. It was Lindberg whose life -Hammersley had saved three years ago in this very forest, when the -Forester had stumbled and fallen in the path of an angry boar who would -have gored him to death, if Hammersley had not shot the beast. Lindberg -the Forester it was, who, in his hours off duty, had been Hammersley’s -chosen companion in many a hunt up through the rocky gorges of these -very mountains, every stick and stone of which he knew as he knew his -own rugged face in the mirror. It was Lindberg who had been so useful -in keeping him informed of the exact state of affairs at Blaufelden. It -was Lindberg who had learned of the microphone that von Stromberg had -installed and it was Lindberg who had listened at the receiver upstairs -in von Stromberg’s room to the conversation when the Councilor had told -Captain Wentz the nature of the documents from Berlin and the hour of -their arrival. - -Already Lindberg had repaid a hundredfold the debt of Hammersley’s -service and it was quite possible, now that Hammersley’s actual mission -had been discovered, that he would take to cover, his mind clear in the -thought that he had done all that could be expected of him. But there -was a warm affection between the two, born of many a long day in the -open and many a night by the campfire where the old man had taught him -the Foresters’ secrets of the trees, the birds in their branches and -of the many four-legged things that scurried beneath them. They had -often talked, too, of many other things, and Hammersley had learned -that Lindberg’s politics were those that one learns under the open -sky--the eternal peace of Nature, before which war and men, its armed -instruments, were a blasphemy. - -Perhaps Lindberg would find a way. But what way? How? Udo von Winden, -too, was aware of the woodcraft fellowship, for often he had made their -duet a trio. Hammersley knew that Udo von Winden as yet suspected -nothing of the services Lindberg had rendered him and he wondered -whether in this pass the ties of kinship would be strong enough to keep -him silent as to the possible capabilities of the old Forester for -mischief in Hammersley’s behalf. - -Hammersley hoped. He clung to the thought of Lindberg’s fidelity and -affection as a dying man clings to the hope of Heaven. He tried to -analyze the old man’s capacities for sympathy and courage. To help a -man in his position seemed to require larger stores of both of these -qualities than human clay was molded for. Lindberg did not fear death, -he knew, but the death he courted was the kind of death Hammersley had -saved him from, a good death in a fair game with a noble enemy, not -the kind of death that awaited Hammersley, a cold, machine-made death -against a kitchen wall. And he must know as Hammersley knew that this -was what would follow. - -The dusk faded into dark and the soldier lit a candle. Hammersley -turned his head and examined him attentively. His face was unfamiliar -at Blaufelden, one of the men probably sent down at von Stromberg’s -orders from the upper district to be useful in just this emergency. -Von Stromberg would make no mistakes, of course. He never did make -mistakes. He had enough men about him to cope with the situation -safely. He would leave no opportunity for his plans to miscarry. Any -opportunity, should there be one, must be created. Hammersley managed -to wriggle into a sitting posture on the bed and spoke to his captor in -German. - -“You wouldn’t mind my having a smoke, would you?” he asked. - -The man looked at him, debating the matter. - -“Just get into the side pocket of my jacket and fish out my pipe and -tobacco, _mein junger_. I need a smoke badly. And so would you if you -were going to be shot in the morning.” - -“_Ach, wohl._ I see no harm in that, _mein Herr_. You cannot smoke -yourself away.” - -He came over, brought out Hammersley’s short pipe, filled it from -the pouch and stuck it between his lips. Then he got out a match and -lighted it while Hammersley puffed. - -“Ah!” said Hammersley contentedly. “You are a good fellow. Tomorrow -morning I will give you my blessing.” - -The man paced stolidly up and down beside the bed. - -“I am sorry for you, _mein Herr_. But it is life. It is all decided for -us beforehand. We are here a moment and then we are gone.” - -Hammersley smiled. - -“A fatalist! Then perhaps you can tell me if there is any chance of my -escape.” - -He was stopped abruptly. - -“I can tell you that there is not,” he said severely. - -“I would have said as much. But it was a pardonable curiosity, _nicht -wahr_?” - -“Pardonable, _ja wohl_,” the man replied, “but most unseemly under the -circumstances.” - -“You have a deep sense of your responsibilities.” - -“_Ja._ I obey my orders, that is all. I do not care what others do.” - -“Therefore you will shoot me tomorrow.” - -“Perhaps,” he shrugged. “I am but an instrument of Providence.” He -waved his hand. “But I talk too much, and so do you. It is not seemly -in a soldier and a prisoner.” - -Hammersley laughed. “You have a fine sense of the fitness of things.” - -“_Ja._ It was so written.” - -He relapsed into silence and in spite of efforts on Hammersley’s part -refused to speak further. It was only after Hammersley badgered him for -his unsociability that he spoke with some asperity. - -“I will trouble you to be quiet. When I am relieved, my successor may -let you speak and laugh as much as you please. But it is unnatural in a -man at the point of death. It would be better if you were saying your -prayers.” - -“I am sure that you are right. But I still have a few hours. Perhaps -you wouldn’t mind telling me the hour at which you are to be -relieved--the hour when we are both of us to be relieved?” - -The man gazed at him uncomprehendingly. - -“After supper.” He finished indifferently, “Eight o’clock, perhaps.” - -Hammersley was silent. Two hours or more to wait before a change of -guards, and then only a chance that Lindberg would be able to do -something. Even then if he managed to get loose, there was left little -more than an hour in which to reach the road by which the machine would -come from Berlin, and even then what should he do without Doris? His -case was desperate. Only a miracle it seemed could make a success of -what had been a pitiful failure; only an act of Providence could save -him from the discreditable end that awaited him. - -He drew up his knees and studied the knots at his ankles. His guardian -was the one who had tied them. - -“You tie a good square knot, my friend. You were once a sailor?” - -But nothing would induce the soldier to talk. - -As the supper hour approached, Hammersley could hear the rattle of pans -and dishes downstairs and noticed the odor of coffee. They would not -starve him, of course. In a little while someone would come with food. -After a while, which seemed interminable, the noise of the rattling -dishes ceased and there was a sound at the door into the hall as the -key turned in the lock and Captain Wentz entered. His sturdy back had -never seemed so ugly nor so welcome, for the silence and the inaction -were getting on Hammersley’s nerves. The officer came over to the bed -and gravely examined the knots of the rope that bound the prisoner. -Then, satisfied with the results of his inspection, he straightened and -glanced around the room. - -“_Gut_,” he muttered. And then to the soldier: “You will go down and -tell Lindberg to bring Herr Hammersley’s supper. I will stay here -in the meanwhile. You will then relieve the man at the door of his -Excellenz.” - -The man saluted and departed. They still trusted Lindberg. Then Udo -had suspected nothing, or if he had suspected, had kept his thoughts -to himself. Hammersley lay back on the pillow preparing a stolid -indifference for Lindberg’s entrance. And when the meal was brought, -Wentz untied his hands and stood over him with an automatic while he -ate. - -“Your weapon makes a poor relish, Herr Hauptmann,” said Hammersley with -a laugh. - -“I greatly regret its necessity,” replied Wentz with his machine-made -politeness. - -Hammersley ventured nothing further, eating silently, and with a -surprising appetite, for good Lindberg’s face in the background had -given him new courage. When the meal was done, he asked for his pipe -again and Wentz ordered the Forester to fill it. Hammersley inhaled the -smoke and exhaled a sigh. - -“So far as I am concerned, Herr Hauptmann,” he said with a smile, “when -this pipe is finished you may kill me at once.” - -He extended his wrists behind him in silence while Captain Wentz took -half a dozen turns of the rope and made it fast. Hammersley sat up in -bed puffing at his pipe and wondering whether some miracle might not -be induced that would kill Wentz. But he was quickly disillusioned, -for when Lindberg took the dishes and moved toward the door, he heard -Wentz’s crisp orders: - -“You will send Max Senf to take the first night watch upon the -prisoner. He is awaiting my orders in the guard room. _Schnell._” - -Without even a glance at the prisoner Lindberg saluted and went out -and Hammersley’s spirits fell. Help from Lindberg was impossible. -Von Stromberg was taking every precaution. There was no way out of -it. Hammersley was doomed. But while Wentz was in the room he kept a -cheerful countenance, though for the first time in his life that he -could remember his pipe was acrid. He saw the new guard enter and heard -the last orders of the officer. - -“You will watch until one o’clock when your relief will be sent. The -prisoner is to be allowed no privileges. Under no circumstances are his -hands to be untied. If he wants water, you will give it to him with -your own hands. _Verstehen sie?_” - -The man stood erect and saluted. “_Zu befehl, Herr Hauptmann_,” he said. - -Hammersley saw the door close and heard the key turn in the lock while -Senf came forward into the room and stood by the foot of the bed. -Hammersley studied him closely: a tall, loosely jointed man in his -early thirties with the heavy brows and high cheekbones of the East -Prussian, the face of a Slav, almost, with something of the thoughtful -intensity of the South German mystic. His eyes were large, his nose -thin and his face was bearded, but the lines of his mouth had a -sensitive curve, belied by the big bony hands and broad shoulders. A -sentimentalist, perhaps! - -Hammersley determined to try him, for a plan had been forming in his -mind. He had noticed with a glance which had included everything in the -room when he entered, a Bible upon the mantelshelf, and in a tone which -had in it a solemn sense of the doom which awaited him in the morning, -he addressed his guardian quietly: - -“Senf, you have a kind face. There is a small favor that you may do me.” - -“If it does not conflict with my orders.” - -“Not at all. Tomorrow morning I am to be shot. All I ask is that you -will allow me to read for a while the Bible upon the chimneypiece.” - -“_Ach!_ I see no harm in that.” - -He went over and got the book, opening the pages and looking through -them. - -“It is little enough for a dying man to ask,” he said. - -“_Danke_,” said Hammersley quietly, his face solemn but his mind -working rapidly. “It is but right to make one’s peace with the world at -a time like this.” - -“I am sorry, _mein Herr_,” said the man mournfully. “It is not good for -a man to die in the first flush of youth.” - -“If it could only have been in the open, Senf, a soldier’s death, but -this--_Ach, wohl_--we can only go once. It doesn’t matter.” He gave a -deep sigh and asked his guardian to light his pipe again and open the -Book at the Psalms of David. - -“I cannot turn the pages, my friend. It is a pity. But propped upon one -elbow I can see quite well if you will but put the candle here upon the -bed.” - -The man did as requested and Hammersley thanked him. - -“You are a kind fellow. It is bread upon the waters. You will find it -after many days.” - -“It is nothing. I would expect as much from another.” - -“Now, if you will permit, I would prefer the solitude of my thoughts.” - -The soldier turned slowly away and Hammersley bent his gaze upon the -open page, but he did not read. He was thinking, planning, watching -the movements of Max Senf. Eight o’clock was long past. It must be -nearly nine. But two hours remained before the arrival of the messenger -from Berlin. His guardian paced slowly up and down the room between -the door and window, and Hammersley felt, if he did not see, his deep -bovine gaze fixed upon him from time to time. Eight or ten times the -man took the length of the room and then with a deep sigh he sank into -the chair at the foot of the bed. Hammersley did not move his head, -which remained bent forward over the book, but from the tail of his eye -he noted that the tall footboard of the old-fashioned bed partially -concealed him. Propped up as he was he could see the man’s head as far -down as the tip of his nose, but all of his head was in shadow. Arguing -from this, everything upon the bed below the line of the flame of the -candle was invisible to him. But a quick glance showed Hammersley that -the man was not looking at him. His dark eyes were peering straight -before him at the opposite wall and his mind was wrapped in some gloomy -vision. - -The plan he had in mind required subtlety. He marked the shadows upon -the ceiling and moved up in the bed so that his own shadow would be -thrown behind the line of sight of his guardian. Then he paused again, -his eyes fixed on the pages, waiting for Senf to look at him again. -He heard the man move in his chair, which creaked as he settled more -comfortably into it. And when Hammersley looked again, only his eyes -were visible, their gaze fixed darkly ahead of him. - -Hammersley now puffed a volume of smoke from his pipe and slowly -wriggled his left arm forward under him, so that he could see the knot -that tied his wrists. It was a large knot, but vulnerable. He puffed -more smoke, meanwhile watching the top of the head of Senf. As it did -not move, he lay over half upon his back, and, taking care not to -disturb the book, slowly advanced his arms behind him toward the blaze -of the candle. The knot of the rope caught and blazed, but the candle -sputtered, and he quickly withdrew his hands, sending a volume of smoke -from his pipe to neutralize the odor. Senf sniffed the air curiously. - -“Something is burning,” Hammersley heard him mutter. - -“My pipe,” he explained carefully. “It is a vile tobacco. But it will -go out of the crack at the window.” - -“Will you not try mine, Herr Hammersley? Perhaps it is better.” - -“No, thanks. Nothing much matters to a dead man.” - -His guardian settled back in his chair, and Hammersley repeated his -maneuver more daringly, his own pipe seething like a furnace. - -“You are a furious smoker, Herr Hammersley,” said Senf again. - -“It is the way one smokes, _mein Junger_, when one smokes for the last -time,” he replied. - -But the fellow got up, sniffing and walking around the room. - -“It is a most curious tobacco,” he muttered. - -Hammersley’s wrists pained him where his bonds had cut, but he kept -his gaze upon the page of the book, and Senf sat in his chair again. -A strong pull of his arms and Hammersley felt the tension relax. His -bonds came looser and after a few more efforts his wrists were free. -His heart was jumping and he feared a stray glance of the watcher might -see the throbbing of the blood at his temples, but he clasped his hands -behind him and waited, slipping the sundered rope beneath a fold of the -blanket. - -Two--three minutes passed and Senf did not move. The untying of his -feet might prove a difficult matter, but he made the venture, working -slowly and patiently, his gaze on Senf’s head. Then, as the knot -yielded a little to his prying fingers, his gaze quickly concentrated -on it. In his efforts he must have made a sound or a suspicious -movement of the shoulders, for when he looked up he saw the head of -Max Senf projecting above the tailboard of the bed, his large eyes -protruding with amazement. They gazed at each other for a tense -fraction of a second and then sprang upright. Hammersley threw his feet -out upon the floor and leaped for the man, catching him around the -waist so that he could not draw a weapon. His legs were useless and the -only chance he had, a desperate one at best, was to drag the man to the -floor by sheer weight and there perhaps throttle him. Senf beat with -his heavy fists on Hammersley’s head and shoulders, and finally forced -him backwards upon the floor, falling with him, but Hammersley still -clung with frantic grip which the man could not shake off. But at last -he managed to get his fingers around Hammersley’s throat and tried to -force his head back. - -Hammersley gasped for breath, but still struggled gamely, though he -realized that he had played his last card. Things got dark, and dimly -he saw the door of the room open and someone enter. Wentz, of course. -His game was up. - -Senf was panting heavily. “He burnt the rope,” Hammersley heard him -say. “Come and help me. He has a grip of iron.” - -The figure from the door moved quickly around the squirming figures, -and Hammersley saw the reflection of the candle on something bright. -A knife. He heard a blow, and the mass of struggling flesh above him -suddenly collapsed and smothered him with its weight. With an effort -he struggled free and rolled aside, looking up into the grim face of -Lindberg. - -“Sh--” the man whispered. “I had to do it. There was no other way. I’ve -been waiting outside.” - -Hammersley tried to speak, but his throat closed, and while he -struggled for his breath, he saw Lindberg go to the door and stand, his -ear to the keyhole, listening. In a moment he came back. - -“_Ganz gut!_ They have heard nothing.” - -“Are you sure?” Hammersley managed to gasp, as Lindberg cut the rope -that bound his ankles. - -“Yes. He was so sure of himself that he did not shout.” - -He helped the prisoner to his feet and they clasped hands. - -“Good Lindberg! My friend! I had given up.” - -“I have waited until the beer was served. It is well. And now----” He -looked around the room quickly. “You shall go.” - -Hammersley had a sudden thought. - -“Captain von Winden sent you?” - -“No. He knows nothing. But he has not spoken. It is now after nine -o’clock. By half past nine you must go.” - -“_Ja doch!_ But you----!” - -“I shall remain.” - -“No, no; I will not consent to that.” - -“Yes, I have thought out a plan.” - -“But they will suspect. They will shoot you.” - -“No, they will not. Have I not told you that I have thought out a plan?” - -“I will listen to it.” - -Lindberg meanwhile had been unstrapping his pistol holster and put it -on a chair. - -Hammersley glanced over his shoulder at the door. “But they may come -again,” he whispered. - -“I think not. There is little time to lose. We will have to take the -chance.” - -“But if they return and find me free it will only cause your death and -do me no good.” - -“Herr Hammersley, you should know by this time that I do not waste -words. Have I not told you that I have made a plan? Listen. This is my -story for Herr Hauptmann Wentz. I happen to be in the hallway without, -carrying a pitcher of water to the room of Miss Mather--the pitcher is -outside on the table--when I hear the sounds of a commotion in this -room. Fearing that the prisoner has by some miracle gotten free, I -unlock the door with my pass-key and enter. You have burned your bonds -and killed Senf. You spring on me and make me a prisoner----” He paused. - -“And you----” Hammersley broke in. “You will be left here? No, I won’t -leave you--not to that fate. I will not go unless you go with me. We -will contrive a way to get out of the country.” - -“_Ach, nein!_ Will you not listen? Have I not told you that I have -thought of everything? I have communicated with the lady. She is ready -to go with you. Her room has a dormer window around the corner of the -building, and there is a ledge along the roof. You will go to her. The -distance to the roof of the kitchen is thirty feet. It will require -four sheets, yours and hers. They are new ones and if well twisted will -hold. If you get away safely you can reach the cave in the Thorwald. No -one will ever find you there----” - -“Yes, Lindberg--but you--what will you say to them?” - -“It is no time to waste words. Even now the lady is waiting for you. -Come, you must get ready at once.” - -He walked to the bed and quickly stripped off the blankets, twisting -the sheets and tying them together. Then he took his pistol belt and -fastened it around Hammersley’s waist, slipping a handful of loose -cartridges into the side pocket of his leather jacket. - -Hammersley, bewildered by the devotion of his old friend and tossed -between alternatives of duty, stood helplessly. At the moment when he -needed resolution most he was supine. But the minutes were passing. The -thought of his mission suddenly brought him to life, and his face grew -hard, his eyes brilliant with purpose. - -“Come, Lindberg. You must go with me.” - -“No,” the man insisted. “My plan is the best.” - -“No. You must come with me.” - -“I have made other plans, Herr Hammersley,” he whispered gently. “You -will go alone. I will give you a reason.” And before Hammersley could -know what he meant to do, he drew his hunting-knife from its sheath in -Hammersley’s belt and plunged it into his own shoulder. - -Hammersley could scarcely restrain a cry, but Lindberg smiled at him -and plucking the weapon out, put it in Hammersley’s outstretched hand. - -“It is nothing,” he said. “It will bleed a little. The more it bleeds -the better my case with Excellenz. They will be here in three hours, if -not before. Now bind and gag me--quick. There is no time to lose.” - -He lay flat upon the floor and as in a dream Hammersley obeyed him, -tying his arms and legs. When he had finished, Hammersley bent over the -man and touched his hand gently. - -“Good-by, old friend. Whatever happens I will not forget. God bless -you.” - -There was a bright, keen look in the small gray eyes upturned to his. - -That was all Hammersley could see of the swathed head, but it gave him -a new idea of self-sacrifice. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII - -SUCCESS - - -Hammersley’s first act was to take off his shoes and slip one into each -pocket of his jacket. They were soled with rubber, but even that he -feared would make a sound. Then he put the box of matches in his pocket -and blew out the candle, overturning it on the floor. The shutters of -the window were closed, and if they were opened carefully the man in -the garden below might not notice any change in the appearance of the -window. Hammersley buttoned his jacket and, carefully pushing back -the shutter, peered out. Fortunately the night had fallen darkly, and -overhead black clouds were lowering, and while he hesitated, searching -the paths below for the figure of the guard, there was a patter of rain -upon the roof. The gods were propitious. - -At last he made out a dark bulk moving to and fro along the garden path -toward the toolhouse. Hammersley watched, waiting until the man’s back -was turned, when he opened the shutter wider and threw the rope of -sheets out upon the ledge. Closing the shutter again, he came toward -the house. So far so good, for the whiteness of the sheets would have -been plainly visible had the guard been looking. The next stage of his -escape was more difficult, and he let the fellow go and come twice -along his path as he timed his new move. He tried the shutter carefully -to see that it did not creak and measured with his eye the distance -to the living-room chimney, which he must reach, during the twenty -paces the soldier would take toward the toolhouse. A wind was blowing -in the treetops and somewhere below him a young oak was rustling its -last year’s leaves. The shutter fortunately opened in the direction -in which he must go, so he sat upon the window-sill, doubled up, and -when the time came, without looking again at the guard, moved quickly, -slipping out noiselessly, closing the shutter behind him and, gathering -up the sheet as he went, crept like a cat on a wall along the narrow -ledge. It creaked with his weight, and some small object that his foot -had touched grated along the roof and fell to the ground below. A tiny -sound at best, but magnified in Hammersley’s ears a hundred times. He -had reached the wide chimney and waited above it, listening for the -footsteps of the man below. - -There was no sound. The man had stopped walking. Hammersley did not -dare look out from his hiding-place, but he knew that in that moment -his fate was hanging in a balance. Just then a heavier gust of wind -than usual dislodged a broken branch from a tree nearby, which fell to -the ground. Still the man below did not move and Hammersley blessed -his wisdom in closing the shutter, for he knew that the guard must -be peering upward, searching for a sign of anything unusual in its -appearance. - -Hammersley held his breath, straining his ears for the sound that would -tell him that he had not failed. In a while, which seemed interminable, -it began again, the slow crunch of gravel under a heavy foot--ceased, -and began again, as though uncertainly, so he waited until the sounds -were regular as before, then advancing his head cautiously, he waited -for the proper time, and keeping the chimney between himself and the -garden, ran straight up the roof to the gable and crouched quickly upon -the other side. He was more fortunate this time for the roof gave forth -no sound. - -Once beyond the protection of the gables he could for the moment -disregard the danger of the guard, for his orders had been to watch -but one window, and Hammersley knew enough of the German character to -be sure that the soldier below would not leave that side of the house. -As he slid carefully down the roof upon the other side, he saw that -there were two dormers, and for a moment could not think which of them -let into the room in which Doris was imprisoned. He reached the ledge -and paused. The shutters of both windows were closed. Lindberg had -told him this, but he swore mildly to himself because he hadn’t paid -closer attention to the Forester’s instructions, for while one of the -rooms was Doris’s, the other he knew was to be occupied by John Rizzio. -It was while he hesitated that he heard a whisper at his left, and -crawling along the ledge, in a moment had reached the window. - -“Is it you, Cyril?” he heard. - -“Yes,” he whispered. “Let me in.” - -Lindberg had opened the shutter in the afternoon, but it was still -stubborn, and when Cyril put his strength to Doris’s, it creaked -abominably. It was not really a loud noise, but to the sensitive ears -of the fugitives it seemed as if discovery must be inevitable. At last -they managed to open it wide enough to admit Cyril’s long legs and -his body speedily followed. Inside the room they stood, their hands -clasped, fearful of discovery, listening for sounds without or within -which would tell them of the approach of the dreaded Wentz. Nothing but -the sighing of the wind in the treetops and the patter of the rain. As -hope returned, Hammersley questioned quickly: - -“You are ready to go?” - -“Yes,” she replied eagerly. - -“The sheets?” - -“Here. I have prepared.” - -It was dark and he could not see, but he followed the sheet to its end -with his hand and found that it was fastened to the bedpost. How she -had managed to move the heavy bed across the room he did not know, and -it was unnecessary to question, for there it was. He reassured himself -as to the knot that she had made and then fastened his own sheets to -the other end. - -“Do you think you can manage it alone? It will not hold us both.” - -“Try me,” she whispered bravely. - -“The rope will reach almost to the kitchen roof.” - -“Yes, it is just below. I could see the edge of it through the shutter -this afternoon.” - -He caught her in his arms and their lips met. - -“I will go first. Then when the tension relaxes, you follow.” - -She pressed his hand as he slid his feet out of the window and paused -crouching on the ledge listening. Then he waved his hand and slowly -went down. He knew that the angle of the building quite hid him from -the garden path, and he slid down the improvised rope as quickly as he -could until his feet dangled in space. He looked below him, but in the -darkness the distance was uncertain. Had Lindberg miscalculated? Or had -Doris used too much of the sheet at the upper end? He let himself down -until his hands groped the end of the sheet while he felt for a landing -with his toes. He touched nothing, and still swayed and spun in the -air like an apple on a string at All Hallowe’en, a fine mark for an -automatic from any of the windows that stared blankly at him from the -second story. There was nothing for it but to drop, stretching his toes -down to meet the impact. Fortunately it was not far, but he lost his -balance and toppled sideways, catching himself upon an arm and knee. -Here again the wind saved him from discovery, but he drew his weapon -and kept a look on the corner of the garden, meanwhile watching for -Doris. - -She came at once, slowly but fearlessly, and in a moment he had her -safely in his arms, drawing her back near the bulk of the building -to crouch and wait and listen again. They did not dare to speak, but -Hammersley’s blood was surging madly with hope. If they had not been -discovered now, the chances were that some time would elapse, enough at -least to enable the fugitives to get a good start of their pursuers. -But the dangling sheet warned Hammersley that they must move quickly. -He peered over the edge of the roof. A light was burning in the -kitchen, but whether the room was occupied or not, he could not tell. -He did not dare risk a sprained ankle by jumping, but found that by -lowering himself he could easily reach the fuel box that stood near the -kitchen door. In a moment they were on the ground and moving along in -the shelter of the hedge toward the hangar. - -Hammersley exulted. It was something to have brought Doris away, but -it was something more to have circumvented von Stromberg. The bundled -figure of Lindberg, lying up there bleeding in the dark, shot a pain -through his heart, but in action, moving toward the goal of his hopes, -even Lindberg was put behind him. He had no fear for the wound in -Lindberg’s shoulder. The old man was as tough as a pine knot and would -survive the loss of blood. It was Lindberg’s ordeal with von Stromberg -that bothered him. - -When they reached the shelter of the woods the tension relaxed. - -“We’re going to get off, Doris,” he said joyously. “I know every stick -of these woods, and they can never find us. But I’m afraid the strain -has been too much for you. How are you feeling?” - -“Never better,” she said bravely. “Which way now?” - -Hammersley had paused a moment to slip on his shoes, and as he got to -his feet, - -“Follow me,” he said. “If I go too fast for you, let me know.” - -He cut into the woods and presently struck a path which led to the -left, and for a while they followed this rapidly. Thanks to a fine -physique and a vigorous life out-of-doors, the girl was in good -condition, and though breathing hard upon the slopes, made no murmur. -Hammersley knew that he had little time to spare, and Doris followed -blindly, asking no questions. She was aware from what Cyril had said in -the afternoon that his objective in coming to Germany was now within -reach, and she could only judge of its importance to England by the -desperate chances he had taken. When it was time that she should know -he would tell her. She judged that Cyril knew that she had been tricked -into betraying him, and she made up her mind that, whatever happened -now, she would stay with him until the end. She owed him that. - -After a while, when they had been moving for perhaps twenty minutes, -they reached an opening in the trees where she could see gray patches -of sky through the branches overhead, and her feet emerging from the -dry leaves and moss felt a firmer contact. - -“The Schöndorf road,” he said. “We can follow it side by side. Are you -tired?” - -“No.” - -They went on more rapidly, while Hammersley explained: - -“The documents I came to Germany for are to be brought along this road -tonight in an automobile. The hour they are due to reach Blaufelden -is eleven, and if I know anything of the infallibility of the German -secret messenger, they will be here on time. It is now after ten. I -have an hour or less to make my preparations.” - -“What are you going to do?” she asked. - -“Get them. First, I’m going to take you to a spot where you will be as -safe as if you were at home in Ashwater Park.” - -“No,” she said firmly, “I’m going with you.” - -“But that’s impossible. I don’t know what may happen. My plans are of -the vaguest----” - -“I will share them. No, you sha’n’t refuse me. I will follow you. I can -help. I must. I would die in those roads alone. Don’t you understand?” - -“But if I fail and they take you, you will be as guilty as I. It’s an -act of war, Doris.” - -“Then all the more reason why I should be committed to it. They made -war on me.” - -“But there will be danger. I can’t let you take the risk.” - -“I don’t know how you are going to stop me,” she said defiantly. - -He paused, then stopped and caught her by the elbows, peering down into -her eyes. Then he laughed. - -“Mated!” he cried. “This is the greatest moment of my life.” - -“And mine,” her voice answered him. - -Her lips met his in a quick caress, like those the wives of the -Spartans gave when they sent their men to battle. - -He caught her hand in his and they moved forward more quickly. Along -this path Death was riding toward them, but they strode eagerly to meet -it, to defy it, to defeat it. Cyril planned rapidly, casting anxious -glances along the road behind them. Every foot they traveled took them -further from pursuers, if pursuers there were. Every foot they traveled -took them nearer the advancing messenger. So that the farther they -went the longer would be the while before they were overtaken, but the -shorter the time for preparation to stop the automobile. Murder was -not in Hammersley’s line. They passed many places, difficult spots in -the road where the machine must almost stop and go into low gear to -climb declivities, places where projecting rocks jutted rough faces up -to the very ruts of the road. It would not be difficult to kill with -an automatic at a distance of two paces, but Hammersley could not play -the game that way. He was a spy, if the laws of war called him so, but -he would not, even in this extremity, use the spy’s weapons. If the -other man fought, it would be different. The desperate nature of the -undertaking was beginning to come to him. Two men, perhaps three or -even four! And yet he must win. He must. Slowly but surely a plan was -forming and he made up his mind to put it into practice. - -“Not tired yet?” he asked. - -“No. I could go on forever.” - -“Then listen. We are nearing the Thorwald. It is just beyond here, less -than half a mile away.” - -“The Thorwald?” - -“It’s a favorite place of mine, known only to Lindberg and Udo, a cave -high up in the rocks, safe as a church, unless Udo happens to hunt for -us there.” - -“And will he?” - -“I hope not. At the foot of the crags this road runs. We must get there -first. Can you run?” - -“I’ll try.” - -He gave her his hand again, and they settled into a jog trot. She was -breathing fast in a moment, but she was game and did not falter, though -her lungs seemed to be bursting. But as they neared the spot, Cyril -slowed down to a walk again. - -“At the foot of the glen there’s a dry bed of a stream full of rocks. -There used to be a bridge here, but it was washed away. It’s an awkward -spot, even for a good motor. I’m going to make it worse.” - -He left her, dashing on ahead, while she followed, and when she reached -the stream she saw him dragging one of the bridge timbers across the -road. She wanted to help, but he told her to watch, until he got -another and then another timber into place. And in another moment it -was evident that the barricade was formidable enough to deter any -machine from crossing. And there was no way to go around, for upon one -side rose the crags and upon the other the gully fell away into a dark -pit filled with rocks and tangled branches. - -There was nothing for it now but to wait. And yet it seemed a desperate -thing to do. Weary and blown as Doris was, it would have seemed better -to have gone on and on--anything to put distance between Cyril and the -death that surely awaited them back there. It seemed impossible that -so long a time as this could have elapsed before the tell-tale rope of -sheets should have been discovered. Already she was sure that Wentz and -his men must be on the way in a machine or on horses, perhaps which -would cover the distance they had traveled in less than a quarter of -the time. She thought that she heard the sound of a machine in the -distance and the voices of men. She pleaded with him to go on, but he -only smiled at her. - -“You must do what I say, Doris,” he said, and then paused, listening. -“They’re coming,” he whispered. - -She _had_ heard the sound of a machine. “From which direction?” she -gasped. - -“There,” and he pointed across the gully. - -“They’ll be here in a moment. Listen to me! Walk quickly to your right, -across the road to that large stone. Stop!” She obeyed wonderingly. -“Now cross the road again, using those rocks as stepping stones.” She -did it, bewildered, pausing on a ledge of rocks that formed a part of -the crag. “Now follow the line of the rocks into the bushes. Fifty feet -from the road, hidden among the shrubbery, you’ll find a cleft in the -rocks. Climb it and you’ll come out here,” and he pointed upward just -above the road. “Wait for me there. I’ll come in a moment.” - -And as she hesitated, he caught her by the elbows and shoved her along -the ledge backwards. “Go! Do you hear? I’ll have no refusal.” - -There was no denying the accent of command in his voice or the quick -flash of his eye. Never until von Stromberg had badgered her today -had a man spoken to her in this tone before. But she loved him for it, -rejoiced in his strength--the primitive instinct of woman to obey. - -When she had gone, Hammersley quickly crossed the stream and took -a position behind a thick bush, listening to the exhaust of the -approaching machine, but listening and looking, too, in the opposite -direction for sounds of his pursuers. A searchlight made fantastic -shapes among the leaves and long shadows suddenly shot out along the -road. - -Hammersley had drawn his automatic from his pocket and was fingering -it coolly. He put his fingers over his eyes, so that the light would -not mar his familiarity with the darkness. He did not know how many -men opposed him and did not seem to care. The main thing now was to -keep his eye undimmed and his hand steady. The machine came, slowed -down and stopped while a guttural exclamation came from the driver. The -searchlight focused downward into the rocks of the gully. Screening his -eyes from its light with a hand, Hammersley peered out at the occupants -of the car. There were two men--better than three, but not so good as -one. The man at the wheel rose and got down just beside him, moving -forward to remove the obstacles. - -Hammersley wasted no time. He leveled his automatic at the broad back -of the driver and his voice rang sharply in German: - -“I have come here for the dispatches intended for Herr General von -Stromberg. You will give them to me at once.” - -The man who was just bending over toward the timber straightened -quickly and turned, reaching for his holster, but the man in the seat -of the car, who wore a military cap, was quicker, for there was a -report, and a bullet sang close to Hammersley’s ear. - -A stream of fire came from Hammersley’s automatic; three shots in quick -succession, and the man in the car pitched forward in his seat and -slid to the floor. And by the time the other man had drawn his pistol, -Hammersley had leaped behind a tree and came out of some bushes beyond. -The chauffeur fired, but not in Hammersley’s direction. The continuous -glare of the light in their eyes had made their vision in the darkness -uncertain. - -“Do you surrender?” shouted Hammersley. - -The German’s reply was to fire at him again and miss. He still stood -in the reflection of the headlight, a bulky silhouette, which made -too fair a mark, while Hammersley stood in the shadows of the bushes. -Hammersley pitied him. - -“Surrender!” he repeated. - -The man was not a coward and rushed blindly toward the voice, shooting -again, too close for comfort. - -“Well, then----” Hammersley said, and fired again. - -The man stumbled to his knees and then fell prone, his fingers -clutching among the leaves. The whole incident had taken less than -a minute, and a deathly silence seemed to fall, following the -reverberations of the shots. Hammersley stood tensely, listening and -peering along the road toward Blaufelden. There was a glow of light -at a distance and he could now hear the sound of another machine. Von -Stromberg had learned of his escape and with a perfect intuition was -coming here directly and fast. The sound of the shots had been heard. -There was no time to lose. Hammersley bent over the man on the ground -and searched his pockets rapidly. Gloves, matches, a spark plug, -tobacco, but no papers. The chauffeur, of course. By main strength he -lifted the dead weight of the man in the car and carried him down into -the glare of the searchlight. It was a dangerous thing to do, for the -lights of the machine from Blaufelden were already swinging through -the treetrunks. But he worked quickly and skillfully, tearing open -the officer’s gray overcoat and searching his pockets. In the inside -pocket of his uniform he found them, a bulky package, and other papers. -He read the superscription quickly, “_Sein Excellenz General Graf von -Stromberg_.” Then sprang aside out of the glare of the lights at the -very moment when the other machine came swinging rapidly around the -turn in the road. - -“The papers are safe?” roared a voice which Hammersley recognized. - -“_Ja_,” Hammersley replied in a rough tone. “A man tried to stop me and -I shot him.” - -“_Ganz gut!_” - -“He is here,” shouted Hammersley again. - -All the while he had been moving out of the glare of the searchlights, -and as the men from the other car tumbled out and came forward, he -turned into the darkness, and abandoning all caution, took to his heels -and ran at top speed in the opposite direction. - -Behind him he heard shouts as his trick was discovered, but he knew -that in the matter of speed he had nothing to fear afoot from any -German at Windenberg. The thing that bothered him now was a way to -hide the marks of his footsteps, for in places the mud was soft and -he knew that in the morning light they would follow him; so he picked -his way carefully, running at top speed for a mile at least, to lead -the pursuit away from the Thorwald and then at the banks of a small -stream paused a moment and listened. He had eluded them. Then without -hesitation, though puffing fearfully from his exertions, he stepped -down into the cold waters of the stream and waded up it, avoiding the -ledges and making sure that he left no mark behind him. As he climbed -higher up the mountain, he could see in the distance the glow of the -lights of the machines and when he reached a mossy bank which would not -betray him, he clambered out of the water and turned, doubling like a -fox, upon his trail, turning back in the general direction from which -he had come. - -Doris worried him. He could imagine her crouching there two hundred -feet in the air just above the two machines, half dead with fear -of capture and terror for him. Had she seen what had happened and -understood it? Would she have the kind of silent endurance to crouch -there and wait? He hurried on into the maze of rocks and deep woods, -finding at last a deer trail that he knew. There were but two means -of ingress to the cave of the Thorwald, one by the secret path in the -bushes up the rocks which Doris had taken, the other from the upper -side which he was now rapidly approaching. - -He ran along the deer trail, reloading his automatic as he went, his -eyes peering ahead for familiar landmarks, cutting in at last to the -left at a great rock around which the deer trail led. He now proceeded -with great caution. Far below him he could see the reflections of the -lights of the two cars and heard the voices of men. He went down a -way toward the wall of rocks, clambering over huge bowlders, hauling -himself here and there by the aid of tree limbs, reaching at last the -dry bed of the old stream which down in the road had been of such -assistance to him. - -Now the wall of rock rose sheer before him. He stole cautiously along -its face, feeling with his hands and peering upward. In a moment he -found what he was looking for, a small projecting ledge which he -mounted, and followed to his right for a way, then mounting again by -easy stages to a fissure wider than his body which he entered and -followed quickly. It led downward it seemed into the bowels of the -crag, but came out suddenly into an open space, a kind of amphitheater, -with a ridge of rock upon one side, and upon the other what appeared to -be a solid wall. He crossed this space quickly and peered over. - -Below him the crag jutted out over the road and upon it somewhere -was Doris. He strained his gaze downward but could not see her. What -if they had found her footsteps and followed? No, that was hardly -possible, for the ridge of rock began immediately at the road, and -thanks to his precautions, she would leave no footprints. - -Slowly he descended, choosing his footing with quick deliberation, for -the slightest sound, the dislodging of a twig or a sliver of crumbled -stone and the crag of the Thorwald would become in a moment a hornet’s -nest. Fortunately the back of the rock screened him from the road, and -unless von Stromberg had sent men into the woods to left and right, -there was no chance of discovery. At last he reached the level and a -dark shadow rose at his very feet and silently clasped his hand. He -took her in his arms for a moment in devout thankfulness. If the true -moment of their mating had been back there in the road while danger -threatened them before and behind, this place of security was the -beginning of its consummation. He did not speak and only motioned her -to sit while he crouched beside her, waiting. - -Below in the road he heard the rasping voice of His Excellenz, speaking -in no gentle tones to the wounded chauffeur of the messenger’s machine, -asking question after question which were answered feebly enough. After -a while the men who had followed Hammersley returned and made their -reports--the dull boom of the voice of Wentz and the harsh crackle of -von Stromberg’s in rage and mortification. - -“He got away, Excellenz,” said Wentz. “For a moment only I saw him, and -followed fast as I could, but my legs are too short.” - -“Bah! You are an imbecile, Herr Hauptmann. And the other men, are not -their legs longer?” - -“Yes, but Herr Hammersley has the legs of a deer. They are following, -but it is like hunting for a grain of barley in a coal scuttle. He may -have taken to the woods anywhere.” - -“_Ja_--but the Fräulein. She could not have run as fast as he!” - -“It is my opinion,” said Wentz with some temerity, “that they had a -_rendezvous_ somewhere beyond. He has known these mountains since his -boyhood.” - -“_Esel!_ But she hasn’t, and how should she find it in the dark?” - -“Perhaps, the matter being so important, he would have deserted her.” - -“_Quatsch!_ Find me the girl and I will find you Hammersley.” - -Hammersley felt Doris’s clasp tighten on his own. - -“She cannot have gotten far away. Search for her, _schafskopf_. Search -the woods and rocks until morning. Take the other machine and follow -his footsteps until you see them no more. Then follow his trail in the -woods. Take the two _Försters_ with you. I will go back to Blaufelden -to send for more men and question the guards who permitted his escape. -Go!” - -The fugitives sat silently listening to the sounds below them, heard -the orders to put the wounded man and the dead messenger into the -machine and presently the commotion of departure as the machines were -backed away from the gully, turned, in available spots, and then -departed in opposite directions, General von Stromberg’s at full speed, -the other slowly, while Captain Wentz walked on before, his shoulders -bent, trying to follow the signs of Hammersley’s rubber soles in the -road. But it had begun to rain steadily again and Hammersley was -thankful, for it would not be long before all marks of his footsteps -would be erased. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX - -THE CAVE ON THE THORWALD - - -“Safe?” he heard her whisper. - -“Yes, for the present.” - -“You have what you came for?” - -“I think so.” - -“And what shall we do now?” - -“Sleep. You’re dead beat. Come.” - -He rose and helped her to her feet, then after another pause, turned -toward the wall of rocks behind them. - -“Do you think you can make it? It’s a difficult climb.” - -“Yes. I’ve that much left in me. You lead the way and I’ll follow.” Her -teeth were chattering. - -As he touched her sleeve he found it soaked with moisture. - -“Poor child. You’re nearly frozen.” He had not been conscious of the -occasional spatter of rain, for his leather jacket had kept him dry. -“But I’ll have you warm and snug before you can say knife.” - -And when she questioned, “A fire----” he replied, “Isn’t that what one -uses to get warm with?” - -“But here--tonight----?” - -“Oh, don’t bother. You’ll see.” - -They were climbing up the face of the slippery rocks, Hammersley -pausing from time to time to let her rest, pulling her from above when -he reached the ledges, and at last they came out into the amphitheater -of bowlders from which he had descended. - -She was almost too weary for comment and followed blindly as he led her -to the wall of the rock where he seemed to disappear in its very face. -She followed him inside a dark opening and when they were well within -he relinquished her hand and struck a match. A brief glimpse she had of -a small chamber in the cliff not twenty feet square when the match went -out. He struck another and shading it with his hand went forward. She -saw him find what he was looking for and in a moment a candle, after -faintly sputtering for a moment, sent forth a steady glow of light. - -“Sit here on this stool. I’ll have you right in a jiffy.” - -She obeyed him and looked around her. At one side was a bed of pine -needles, at another a small table and in the middle of the rocky floor -the gray embers of what had been a fire. - -“A bit roughish, but not so bad?” - -She nodded while he busied himself in building the fire. There were -dry leaves, twigs and logs in the corner, and soon a blaze was leaping -cheerfully upward. And while she wondered at the signs of occupancy he -answered her thought. - -“It’s Lindberg’s. He comes here often. It was here that he and I always -slept when we went on hunting trips. You see there’s a natural chimney -overhead in the rocks where the bally smoke goes out. They might -observe the smoke by day, but at night we’re quite safe. I’ve been all -around the place when the fire was goin’ and there isn’t a sign of it -outside.” - -He helped her put her coat off and made her comfortable close to the -fire, after which he quickly took the package of papers out of his -pocket and examined them. The single papers were military orders of no -importance to one Lieutenant Orstmann, obviously the dead messenger. -Hammersley put them aside, breaking the seal of the heavy envelope and -examining its contents carefully. First a letter of instructions to His -Excellency von Stromberg, signed in the bold hand of the Emperor of -Germany himself. He showed her the signature and explained its contents -and all thought of weariness went from her mind. - -“It is--it’s what you came for?” - -“Yes,” he replied, smiling grimly. “I’ve got it.” - -“Is it--it isn’t so important that you can’t tell me?” she asked -timidly. - -He laughed, put his arm around her and held her for a moment tenderly. -She had endured where a man might have flinched, and yet at this moment -she was all woman--timid, weary unto death, but still curious. It was -the master impulse. - -“No,” he smiled. “You’ve jolly well earned the right to know. I’ll tell -you.” - -He was so big, so strong, so certain of himself that she wondered how, -for a moment even, she could have thought him other than he was. With a -sudden impulse of pride and tenderness, she rose, put her arms around -his neck and bending his head down to hers kissed him upon the lips. He -caught her to him and held her in his arms. - -“O Cyril,” she murmured, “that I could ever have failed in my belief in -you, that I could ever have thought that you were false! Why didn’t you -tell me the truth? I would have kept your secret.” - -“It was impossible, dear. It was too big a thing and I was sworn to -silence. But since you found out----” - -“Did you think me curious--” she asked naïvely, “because I read the -cigarette papers?” - -“Curious!” he laughed. “Well rather! The mistake I made was in tellin’ -you _not_ to read them. If I----” - -“Don’t laugh at me,” she whispered. “I can’t stand that. The only -retribution for what I did this afternoon is a blow. If you struck me, -Cyril, I should not care.” - -“But I won’t, you know, old girl. But I’m going to kiss you again if -you don’t mind.” - -And he did, while a shadow darkened her eyes. “It seems terrible to be -happy, even in our moment of security, with the shadow of death hanging -so closely over us. I know you had to kill him, Cyril, but----” She -paused. - -“It was either that or he would have killed _me_. As it was, it was -too jolly close a thing for comfort. I gave the other man his chance, -but he wouldn’t take it. Lucky he didn’t, for I might have missed the -papers.” - -She clung to him more closely. - -“And if you had been killed?” she whispered. “I saw it all. At first I -thought you had fallen. O Cyril, the agony of it! And then you came out -from behind the tree and I knew that you were unharmed. I had seen a -man die, as I had, there upon the rocks at Ben-a-Chielt, but when the -other one came at you I wanted you to kill him. I _wanted_ it. I prayed -that you would. It was murder--in my heart. I can’t understand how I -have changed. And I’ve always thought death such a fearsome thing!” - -She hid her face in his shoulder and clung to him, trembling. She had -passed through danger valiantly, carelessly even, but now that for the -moment danger had passed, woman-like, she yielded to the reaction. He -kissed her gently. - -“Sh--child. Don’t let it work on you. No bally use. We’re safe now.” - -“Yes--safe for the present. That ought to be enough for me. But if -anything had happened to you--!” She shuddered. - -“But it didn’t----” - -“Oh, I’m thankful,” she whispered. “Thankful for that--and for you--the -trouble I’ve passed through--the pain of my thoughts of you--I’m -thankful for those too, because without them I never should have known -you--the real _you_, Cyril. I sometimes think that life deals too -easily with most of us to bring out the best that’s in us. I never -would have known you in England, Cyril, doing the things you always -did.” - -He smiled at her. - -“I’m the same chap, though. Can’t tell what a fellow will do when he -has to.” - -“But you didn’t have to. You might have gone to France and sat in a -trench. Instead of that you did what was harder--let them distrust -you--hold you in contempt--keeping silent and cheerful, while you were -doing such splendid things for England.” She paused while she caressed -him and said in a proud whisper, “The Honorable Cyril!” - -“Honorable!” he smiled. “You’d hardly get von Stromberg to think that.” - -“That terrible old man!” she went on clinging to him. “I can see his -vulture face now. He would have shot you--tomorrow!” - -“But we fooled him--what? Poor Lindberg!” - -She questioned him and he told her of the devotion of his old friend. - -“And what will von Stromberg do to Lindberg?” she asked anxiously. - -“I don’t know,” he said slowly. “Nothin’ perhaps, unless Udo tells.” -He paused and looked into the fire. “Wish I knew about Udo,” he said -thoughtfully. “We were very good pals last year.” - -“But he wouldn’t see you shot!” - -“He couldn’t do anythin’. I am betrayin’ his country.” - -“But not _your_ country, Cyril,” she said. - -“No, thank God. Not mine. I love Germany--the Germany of my mother--and -the men like Lindberg. But the Germany of von Stromberg--that’s not -Germany to me.” - -“Do you think we will get away?” - -“Yes,” he said quickly. - -She read the anxiety in his voice and knew that he was thinking of her, -and in that moment a new idea of her duty came to her. - -“You mean,” she said quickly, “that you could get away if it wasn’t -for me. O Cyril, I know. Don’t try to deceive me. You could disguise -yourself and get away to the Swiss border. It would not be difficult -for you. I am a weight around your neck which may destroy you.” - -“Hush, child.” - -“No. I am not too stupid to see that. You ought to be going now.” -She clung to his arms and looked up into his face as her duty came -more clearly to her, while her voice trembled with earnestness. “I -want you to go, Cyril. Your life is valuable to England. They are on -a false scent down there. You could get away in the darkness and -by morning you can be miles away. I’m not afraid. Tomorrow I can go -and give myself up. I am only a girl--an American. They will not -dare to harm me. Don’t smile. I am in deadly earnest. You must go, -Cyril--now--now----” - -But he only patted her gently. - -“You think that I am a child,” she went on, “that I cannot be trusted -to get along alone. Haven’t I proved it to you that I am not afraid? -Look at me, Cyril. I am only a little tired now but tomorrow I will go -to von Stromberg and say, ‘Here I am--now what can you do to me?’ He -may threaten and bluster and rage, but that will not frighten me--when -you are safe. What can he reply? What _could_ he do? My nation is not -at war with his. He would not _dare_! O Cyril, say that you’ll go--say -that you’ll go----” - -She looked up into his face and saw that its expression had not -changed. He was still smiling at her softly while she felt the touch of -his fingers gently petting her. - -“Oh--you won’t go--you won’t!” she cried, and then without further -warning burst into a passion of tears. - -“Don’t, Doris, for God’s sake,” he whispered. “Don’t break now. I need -all your courage and your strength. You’ve been so brave--so strong. -Keep up your spirits, there’s a dear. We’ll pull through, don’t you -worry.” - -“They’ll take you--if you stay here.” - -“No. They won’t find us. I’m not afraid of that, and there are water -and biscuits here. We’ll take things easy for a while and then slip -off. Do you think I could go and leave you in the lurch? Pretty sort -of a Johnny I’d be to do a thing like that! Not for twenty Englands, -Doris,” he whispered, kissing her tenderly. “Not for twenty Englands, -I wouldn’t.” His touch soothed her and she grew more quiet. - -“Of--of course you w-wouldn’t,” she murmured. “But I w-wish you would.” - -Her hands met around his neck and he raised her chin and kissed her on -the mouth. It was a kiss of plighted troth, of tenderness, faith and -the exalted passion that comes with tears. - -“Mated?” he whispered. - -“Yes--yes,” she murmured faintly. - -They did not move for a long moment when Doris slowly disengaged her -arms from around his neck and moved slightly away. Her hair had fallen -and hung in golden disorder about her shoulders. She put up her arm, -trying to catch the escaping pins, and then she smiled at him, dimpling -adorably. - -“Come,” he said gently. “You must get to bed. Your coat is nearly dry, -but I’ll cover you with my jacket. You must sleep, too. No shammin’, -you know. Can’t tell what may happen tomorrow.” - -“I’ll try,” she murmured obediently, while he led her to the couch of -boughs and made her lie on it. But as he knelt beside her, covering -her with his jacket, she caught his hands and would not relinquish -them. He raised hers to his lips and kissed them again and again: -small, muscular hands they were, but now very brown and dirty. “Are you -comfortable? Sorry I haven’t a tub.” - -She was silent a moment and then straightened and asked him: - -“You promised to tell me about the papers. Won’t you?” - -He laughed. - -“Not now. It must be nearly morning.” - -“Yes, now. I’m not tired now. I will sleep afterwards. I like to hear -your voice, Cyril. Perhaps it will soothe me to sleep.” - -“Are you sure?” he asked doubtfully--and she nodded. - -He saw that she was still nervous and wakeful and sank beside her -couch, taking her hand in his. - -“It is really quite interestin’,” he began slowly. “Three years ago, -at the invitation of the Emperor of Germany, when Europe was at peace -and there was no cloud upon the horizon bigger than a chap’s hand, -there met in a shootin’ lodge near Schöndorf, not ten miles from -here, six men. It was a secret conference, arranged by the Emperor of -Germany through His Excellency Graf von Stromberg. The six men were -His Highness Prince von Waldheim, at one time Germany’s ambassador -to France; Admiral von Frankenhausen, head and front of the Imperial -German Navy; General von Sandersdorf, the brains of the German General -Staff; His Excellency Moritz von Komarom, minister of war of the -Austrian Empire; Viscount Melborne, English Secretary of State for -Foreign Affairs; and Harlow-Gorden, of the British Admiralty.” - -She was listening avidly, wide-eyed, the array of well-known names -telling her as nothing else could have done the importance of the -conference. - -“This meetin’ was a secret,” he went on. “These men all traveled -incognito, without servants, and were met by an agent of General von -Stromberg at Schöndorf and conducted in automobiles to the huntin’ -lodge I have spoken of. These men remained there for two days and two -nights and then went home. But while they were there they were makin’ -new history for Europe.” He paused to fill his pipe but her curiosity -could not be restrained. - -“And what were they doing there, Cyril? I can’t understand.” - -Hammersley got up and held his pipe to the candle, for matches were -scarce, and then, with maddening calmness, sat beside her again. - -“That secret meetin’ of these chaps had to do with nothin’ less than -the ruin of France----” - -“France!” she cried. “England had nothing against France and now she is -her ally.” - -“Three years ago the political conditions were different,” he answered. -“Those representatives of England came and sat with representatives of -Germany and Austria while they plotted the destruction of France.” - -“But how do you know this, Cyril? I can’t understand.” - -“No more do I, but it’s a fact. Let me go on. At the table in the lodge -where this conference was held, Viscount Melborne made notes of what -was goin’ on, includin’ the combinations of land and naval forces that -could be made against France and Russia, and the plans to break the -Russian Federation in the Balkans. When the meetin’ was over all the -scraps of paper these chaps had scribbled on were destroyed by fire -before the eyes of the men who had made ’em, except those of Viscount -Melborne, who put ’em in his pocket, and with them a pencil copy of -this secret treaty in his own handwriting. The original copy of the -treaty was entrusted to Harlow-Gorden, who put it in his dispatch-box. -It was not until the next day when the Englishmen, in the train on the -way to Paris, discovered that Viscount Melborne’s private papers were -missin’. Jolly fine mess--what? They got off at the next stop, went -back to Schöndorf and looked for the papers, but neither there nor at -the lodge was there hair or hide of ’em. So they went back to England -hopin’ that by some fortunate accident the papers had been destroyed.” - -“And these--” asked the girl, “are they?” - -He nodded. “To make the story short, I found out where they had -gone. My flights to Germany have been made for this purpose. Don’t -you see? The papers came into the hands of the Emperor of Germany -and he was plannin’ to have ’em sent to the President of the French -Republic--England’s ally. It wouldn’t do, you know, to have such papers -at such a time fall into the hands of France. Hardly a credit to -English diplomacy. What? Might even result in a new _entente_.” - -“But where were the papers in the meanwhile?” she asked. - -“That is what took me so bally long to find out. After many hunts away -from Windenberg at night, I traced ’em to a Socialist by the name of -Gottschalk at Schöndorf, who had received ’em from a pensioner of the -Imperial Forest Service, one of the attendants at the huntin’ lodge -where the conference was held. Whether he found ’em or stole ’em I -don’t know, but I frightened him and he confessed. I was on the very -point of stealing ’em from Gottschalk when I found out that he had been -writin’ to the Wilhelmstrasse, and when I tried to get ’em they were -gone. If I’d got ’em then, you would not be here, Doris, and I----” - -“But how did you learn what the Wilhelmstrasse proposed to do with -them?” - -“Oh, that was quite clear. The English Foreign Office has been badly -frightened and has used every effort with its secret agents in Berlin -to get that information. It reached London the other day. And just -before I left Scotland I knew the job was to be given to General von -Stromberg. The rest was Kismet--the fortune of war--a jolly good piece -of luck! Lindberg overheard through the microphone von Stromberg givin’ -instructions to Wentz--so that His Excellency’s own weapons were turned -against him. I was goin’ to waylay Wentz on the way to France, but -circumstances prevented----” - -“It was I, Cyril,” she broke in pleadingly. “I didn’t know. I betrayed -you.” - -“A trick,” he laughed, “invented in the Rameses family--but still -useful.” - -“He frightened me,” she stammered. “I believed the message signed -‘Maxwell’ genuine.” - -“Not Maxwell,” he said gravely, “for Maxwell--a sore spot since the war -began in the side of the War Office--Maxwell is dead.” - -“You----?” she exclaimed fearfully. - -“Yes,” he replied. “I told and they caught him. I couldn’t do so -before. It’s war, Doris. It is a fair game. I ask no favors--nor do I -give any.” - -She was silent a moment looking into the fire. - -“Yes, I understand--a terrible game with odds against----” And then, -after a pause, “You say that we will get away. Won’t you tell me your -plan?” - -He rose with a confident laugh. - -“Yes, I have a plan, but I’m not going to tell it now. You are going to -sleep.” - -She laughed wearily and sat up. - -“And you? Where will you sleep?” - -“By the fire. I’ve got some thinkin’ to do. I’m not sleepy. I had -eight hours last night. I’m going to watch.” - -He bent over her and gently made her lie down. “I will talk to you no -more. You must go to sleep.” - -She sighed and stretched herself out while he covered her with his -coat. Then he put a fresh log on the fire and sat beside her again. In -a moment he heard her voice. - -“I hope you don’t mind my telling you, Cyril, that I love you a great -deal.” - -“Not in the least,” he whispered. “I wouldn’t mind listenin’ while you -said it all night. But----” - -“There. You’re going to insist on my sleeping again!” - -“Won’t you?” - -“I don’t seem to feel as if I could ever sleep again. You’re so cool, -so calm, Cyril. How _can_ you be?” - -“No bally use gettin’ excited. Here we are snug as two bugs in a rug. -We’ll slip through them some way.” - -“But where will we go?” - -He smiled. - -“I have a notion of goin’ to England.” His kind of quiet humor always -put her on her mettle. - -“To England--?” She started up. - -“There won’t be much chance of your doin’ anythin’ tomorrow if you -don’t get your sleep,” he insisted gently. “Do what I ask, Doris. Sleep -you must.” - -“I’ll try. Good night, Cyril.” - -“Good night.” He kissed her on the forehead and drew his jacket over -her again, then sat beside her, her hand in his, watching. Gradually -her nerves grew quiet and weariness mastered her. He waited until her -breathing indicated sleep, when he carefully relinquished her hand -and moved to the fire, where he carefully studied the papers by the -light of his candle, after which he slipped them into the pocket of -his trousers and moved softly across the cave into a corner, where -he opened the lid of a tin box and examined its contents, taking out -a fresh candle to replace the other one, which was on the point of -expiring. - -Then he filled his pipe with great deliberateness and, returning to the -stool by the fire, crossed his knees and bent forward, gazing into the -blaze, his brows tangled in deep thought. He had succeeded in getting -what he came for. So far, the secret of the meeting in the shooting -lodge was safe. But for how long? By this time a description of the two -of them had, of course, been telegraphed to every village and military -station in Germany. That wouldn’t do at all. Alone it might be managed, -with a German officer’s uniform and Herr Lieutenant Orstmann’s military -orders, but with Doris--it wasn’t to be thought of. - -The other alternative appealed to him more strongly. He had matched -his wits against von Stromberg’s so far and had won, and success made -him hopeful. Where carefulness failed, audacity sometimes succeeded. -The more he thought of his plan, the deeper became his conviction -that it was the only one possible under the circumstances. There was -continued danger for the papers and he deliberated for a long while -upon the wisdom of destroying them at once, finally rejecting that -idea except as a last alternative. His word that he had destroyed them -would perhaps be sufficient to ease the minds of the gentlemen at the -Foreign Office, but there were certain memoranda about the promises of -Germany to England signed with the initials of Prince von Waldheim -which should at all costs be saved. But aside from this consideration, -Hammersley, having carried his affairs thus far successfully, had a -pride in finishing it as he had planned. It could be done--he would do -it. - -He got up and put another log on the fire and then stretched himself -out at full length upon the rocks, gazing into the flame. In the corner -where the bed was he heard the steady breathing of the girl. What a -trump she was-- What a tr---- - -He nodded and then dozed. Troubled visions flitted across his mind. -Once he thought he heard the sound of a footstep on the rocks and -started up. It was broad daylight. He listened for a while and then -slowly sank back and slept again. How long he did not know, for -something awakened him and he sat up, reaching instinctively for the -holster lying at his side, to look straight into the muzzle of an -automatic, behind which was the handsome blond head of Udo von Winden. - - - - -CHAPTER XX - -THE FIGHT IN THE CAVERN - - -Udo loomed against the light and the uniform he wore seemed to give the -projecting weapon a new significance. He was not Udo, the kinsman and -companion who had so often shared this refuge with Hammersley in the -hunting days. He was Germany. Hammersley could never remember the time -when the muzzle of a weapon had seemed so large. It was much better to -sit without moving, and Udo’s quick instructions were not wasted. - -“Don’t move, Cyril,” he said coolly in German. “Up with your hands! So. -Now get up, leaving your belt where it is, and sit on the stool yonder. -Quickly! I will shoot--to kill.” - -Hammersley read in his expression a determination to put the threat -into practice and, watching narrowly, silently obeyed. Von Winden, -still covering him carefully, picked up the belt and transferred -Lindberg’s pistol to his own holster. He was a dead shot with any -firearm, as Hammersley knew, and his own chances at three paces even in -a rush were small. It was decidedly a case for discretion. - -“I suppose there’s nothing to be said,” Hammersley muttered. “You -outguessed me, Udo.” And then, to gain a moment of time, “I thought -that your memory might be quite good enough to forget the Thorwald.” -Von Winden frowned down the barrel of the automatic. - -“It is too much to expect even from me,” he said crisply. “I am your -kinsman but I am first of all--a German. And not even for you will I be -a traitor.” - -“_Natürlich!_” smiled Cyril. - -Udo von Winden’s look was grave, his voice sober, and the muzzle of his -automatic did not waver. - -“I have already had a bad memory, my cousin. This afternoon I forgot -that Lindberg, who served your meals, was a good friend of yours -and mine and that he might be counted on to help you out of your -difficulties. I also forgot that there was such a place as the Cave -of the Thorwald until I learned from Excellenz last night, the price -Germany was to pay for my indifference. If you had failed to capture -the documents of His Majesty, I might have remained silent. As you took -them, there remained nothing but to act. I came here, for I knew it -would be the one place where I should find you.” Hammersley bent his -head. “I understand.” And then quickly, “Would you mind telling me if -you have spoken--if you have told what Lindberg--?” - -“No,” von Winden broke in, “I have told nothing. Lindberg is safe. I -have come here alone----” - -Hammersley gave a gasp of relief and leaned forward, peering into the -fire. - -“I came for one purpose, Cyril,” Udo went on quietly. “I have no -personal desire for your death, but I would kill you as you sit rather -than see Germany suffer the loss of the documents in your possession. I -came for them and I intend that you shall give them to me.” - -Hammersley looked up into his cousin’s face and their eyes met. Von -Winden’s tone was cool and his manner as calm as on the days last year -when they were hunting together, but Hammersley knew that when Udo von -Winden was most calm he was also most dangerous. So he slowly reached -into the pocket of his trousers and handed his cousin the papers he had -taken from the German messenger. - -“_Danke_,” said Udo, backing to the light of the entrance of the cave -to examine them. “You are sure they are all here?” - -“My word on it, Udo,” said Hammersley frankly. He watched his -cousin examine the documents and heard him give an exclamation of -satisfaction, but Hammersley saw that his eyes neglected no detail of -the cavern and was aware that the muzzle of the weapon in Udo’s hand -still bore directly upon him. In the shadows Hammersley saw the face of -Doris, who was sitting up, pallid and dark-eyed as though awakened from -one nightmare into another. As Udo saw her the muzzle of his weapon -wavered and went out of alignment, but Hammersley did not move or even -appear to notice the girl. - -There was a note of embarrassment in the German’s officer’s voice as he -spoke again. - -“I am sorry, my cousin, that your father’s blood called you to be false -to Germany. You had been suspected by Excellenz, but I would have sworn -that he was mistaken. You owe me nothing, of course, but----” - -“It’s war, Udo,” said Hammersley quietly. “You will remember that I did -not seek duty in the Imperial Secret Service. It was the Herr General -who thought it valuable to use our kinship for his own purposes.” - -Udo shrugged. “Yes, I know,” he said quietly. “You have done your -duty--but you must now be aware of the fact that you can ask no favors -of me.” - -“I don’t. I am in your power. Shoot me if you like.” - -Udo smiled. - -“I can hardly be expected to do that. I do not love you now, my -cousin. I cannot love anyone who is false to my country, but I cannot -forget that once, not a year ago, we were brothers. No, I cannot shoot -you, Cyril, though perhaps that would be a better death than that -other--yonder.” - -Hammersley shrugged. “It is the fortune of war. From your point of -view I deserve it. I can only thank you again, for myself and for Miss -Mather, for your generosity.” - -A sound from the girl and Udo acknowledged her presence by a bow. - -“Under other circumstances,” he said with stiff politeness, “I should -be glad to extend the hospitalities of Winden Schloss. But, of course, -as Miss Mather can see, my mother and sisters are away and I----” - -“Of course, Graf von Winden, it is understood,” she said haltingly in -German. - -“I can do nothing, Fräulein. I am powerless--at the orders of General -von Stromberg, who arranges the coming and the going of all at -Windenberg.” - -“The coming, Udo,” said Hammersley dryly. “Not the going.” - -“I am sorry, I have done what I could. You have done well to give -me the papers. I shall now go back to Blaufelden and return them to -Excellenz.” - -Hammersley started up. - -“You mean that you will leave us here?” - -“_Natürlich._ I do not wish to see you killed against the kitchen wall. -It is not the death for the blood of von Eppingen. Even if you are shot -while escaping it would be better.” He shrugged. “My position is this. -You can do Germany no further harm. I shall tell a likely story. I have -the papers--they are what I came for. If you had not given them to me I -would have killed you, but now I shall go away alone as I came.” - -“Good old Udo!” said Hammersley impulsively, taking a pace toward him, -his hand outstretched. - -But von Winden’s automatic came quickly into line and Hammersley halted. - -“One moment, my cousin,” said von Winden coolly. “I am quite willing -to accept your expressions of gratitude from a distance. I may not -wish to see you killed by others, and I would regret the necessity of -killing you myself. I shall consider you my prisoner until I go. After -that”--and he shrugged expressively--“you can go where you like.” - -Hammersley folded his arms and frowned. - -“Where I like!” he muttered. “With every village in Hesse-Nassau on the -lookout for me.” There was a pause, after which von Winden spoke with -quiet earnestness. “Unfortunately I may not help you further. Since -there is food, to wait here is safer. Alone, traveling by night, a man -might reach Basel safely. As for the Fräulein, if she will return to -Blaufelden and give herself up, imprisonment for a time is perhaps the -worst that she need fear.” - -Doris had risen, the white light from the door of the cavern searching -her face pitilessly. - -“It is what I would do,” she said haltingly. “What I have pleaded with -him to let me do. Cyril,” she implored in English, “you must let me.” - -“I will think about it,” he muttered. “You are sure that no harm will -come to her?” The muzzle of the automatic had wavered out of line -again and Hammersley was carefully measuring with his eye the distance -that separated him from his cousin. - -“The bark of Excellenz is much worse than his bite. He will bluster and -storm. But eventually he will return Miss Mather to her own people.” - -Hammersley was shaking his head in indecision. - -“I am not so sure that I agree with you about the bite of Excellenz. -I shall think of what I will do. I’m sure of one thing, Udo,” he said -with sincerity, “that I am deeply grateful for what you have done. The -war has made us enemies, and you have now prevented the success of -my great venture. But I bear you no illwill. The debt is still mine -on account of your silence, back there--a debt made deeper by the -presence of Fräulein Mather.” He paused to give his words effect. “I -had not told you, Udo, for at Windenberg one has no time to think of -the gentler things of life. But just before the war broke out Fräulein -Mather had promised me to become my wife.” - -Hammersley watched von Winden as he turned toward Doris with a smile, -bowing deeply, his sense of the situation lost for a second in the -obligations of civility, as he murmured a phrase of congratulations. “I -am much honored by your confidences,” he said formally, “and I deeply -regret----” - -He got no further, for Hammersley had sprung in suddenly toward him, -risking Udo’s shot, which was fired quickly, without aim. - -A furious struggle followed. Hammersley caught at von Winden’s wrist -and his weight bore him back against the rock, while both of them -fought for the possession of the weapon. The German officer was smaller -than his cousin but his wrists were good and he was quicker than -Hammersley. They bore only friendship for each other but the incentive -of each was greater even than hatred could have been. They struggled -in silence, the thought of the possession of the papers uppermost -in the minds of both. The struggle was not that of kinsman against -kinsman, but of England against Germany. Realizing the desperateness -of Hammersley’s attack and the purpose of it, von Winden knew that -a victory for Hammersley meant the loss of the papers and so he was -bent on killing his cousin if he could, Hammersley on preventing him -from doing so. They swayed from side to side, breathing hard, while -Doris crouched against the side of the cavern, dumb with terror. Twice -she saw the weapon in the German officer’s hand point downward toward -Cyril’s back and then, before it could be used, saw Cyril’s arm quickly -push it upward. She knew that she was in danger, but she did not know -what to do. At one moment von Winden seemed to have the advantage and -in another Cyril. Udo’s back was against the wall and one of Cyril’s -arms was around him, while their legs were intertwined as each tried -to get the other off his balance. Suddenly with an effort Hammersley -managed to wrench the pistol from von Winden’s hand and he tossed it -into the corner of the cavern. - -Von Winden had every ethical right to kill Hammersley if he could, -but after what his cousin had done for him, Hammersley could not -kill Udo. That was impossible. He must succeed without that. This -generosity nearly proved fatal to him for the German managed to reach -Hammersley’s automatic in his own holster and had almost disengaged it -when Hammersley caught his hand again, and the struggle was renewed. -But Doris, whose senses and initiative had slowly returned to her, now -crept around the walls of the cave and when von Winden’s outstretched -hand came within her reach she seized his forearm in both of her hands -and clung to it desperately, keeping the muzzle pointed away from -Cyril. She was swayed to and fro with the struggling men, who finally -toppled sideways and fell to the floor, dragging her with them, but von -Winden’s grasp of the weapon, never quite secure, was loosened and, as -they dropped, it went flying under the table. - -The fight was soon out of the German, for Hammersley’s weight had -fallen on him heavily, and in a moment the officer was flat on his back -and Hammersley was sitting on him. Doris, who had meanwhile picked up -the pistol, now heard Hammersley gasping jerkily. - -“Quick, Doris--something to tie with--your stay-strings!” - -She understood and disappeared outside the cavern, returning presently -with the bonds, helping Cyril while he made the wrists and ankles of -von Winden fast. - -“I might have killed you--but I didn’t,” Hammersley was gasping. “You -saw that, Udo, didn’t you?” - -“You needn’t make apologies. I would have killed you. I tried to. It’s -too bad--too bad,” he panted. - -“I’m sorry,” Hammersley repeated. “Those papers--they’re England’s, -Udo. They’re my property. I’ve got to take them.” - -And without further words he put his hand inside the breast of the -officer’s coat and took the papers out. - -“I wish it were anybody but you,” he said. - -“I don’t think you can get away with them.” - -“I’m going to try.” - -“I’ll prevent you if I can.” - -“How?” - -“I’ll show you.” And with the remnants of his breath he shouted -lustily for help. Hammersley threw him back, none too gently, and -clapped a handkerchief in his mouth, while he directed Doris to tear -her under-skirt and make bandages for a gag. They worked quickly and -in a moment the German officer was silent and helpless. Then for a -long moment Hammersley sat by the prostrate man, slowly recovering his -breath. Doris, ash-gray with fear, crouched beside him, obedient to his -look and action. At last with a laugh he got up. - -“Close thing, that!” he said. “My word! He nearly got me.” And then -with a look at the prostrate man, “Poor old Udo!” - -In a moment, with a word to Doris, he went outside the cave and -listened intently. He peered cautiously over the ridge of rocks. -The road was deserted. The sound of the shot, while it had seemed -deafening, would have been muffled at the entrance of the cavern -and could not have been heard from a distance. And when Hammersley -returned, he reassured Doris as to the immediate danger of discovery. - -“There is no hurry, Doris. I must think,” he said, filling his pipe. -He stood upright for a while, puffing rapidly, peering down at the -captive, his expression struggling between a frown and a smile. Herr -Graf Udo von Winden looked so very much like a mummy! The eyes of his -cousin, the only visible part of his face, followed Hammersley intently. - -“I could have done for you, Udo,” Hammersley repeated. “I want to be -sure that you understand that.” - -Von Winden’s head moved ever so slightly. Doris had sunk upon the -stool, her face buried in her hands. - -“Oh, it’s cruel!” she murmured. “Let him go, Cyril.” - -“Hardly,” said Hammersley coolly. “He’d raise a rumpus. Wouldn’t you, -Udo?” - -The officer’s head did not move. - -“You see?” said Hammersley. “But I’m going to make him as comfortable -as possible.” And taking him by the armpits he dragged his cousin -over to the corner and laid him gently on the bed of balsam, and then -stood beside the bed looking down at him thoughtfully, addressing him -impersonally in English, as though thinking aloud. - -“What’s to become of you, when we go, old chap--that’s what’s bothering -me now.” - -The German’s shoulders moved slightly. - -“Oh, that’s all very well, but I can’t leave you up here to rot, my -cousin. No one knows the way to the Crag of the Thorwald. You might be -here a thousand years if Lindberg shouldn’t come.” - -Von Winden made no sign. It was obvious that he had no further -intention of helping in the solution of the difficulty. - -“Let me stay here with him, Cyril,” Doris was pleading again. “It can -do me no harm, and when you are well on your way, I will release him -and go back to Blaufelden.” - -“I can’t take that chance. You’re going with me.” - -“Where?” - -“To England.” - -“But how?” - -“Leave that to me. At present we must have breakfast. Do you know it’s -almost ten o’clock?” - -Bewildered, she watched him go to the large tin box in the corner -of the cavern, from which he brought forth some dry salt biscuit and -several pieces of chocolate. - -“It isn’t much, but it’s the best I can do. There’s tea, too, but I -don’t dare light the fire.” - -She ate, slowly at first, for the food seemed to choke her, but she -recalled the fact that except for two pieces of toast and the chocolate -of von Stromberg she had eaten nothing since yesterday morning. Cyril, -who never seemed at a loss for anything, produced a metal pitcher and -going outside the cave for a moment returned with it full of water. - -“Lindberg’s,” he said in reply to her question. “His food, too. Good -old Lindberg.” - -He frowned and then went over to the prisoner. - -“You needn’t tell me if you don’t care to, Udo, but I’d like to know -how Lindberg is. Will you answer me?” - -Von Winden nodded. - -“He is able to be about?” - -He nodded again. - -“Did His Excellency suspect?” - -He shook his head. - -“Thank God. Then Lindberg is at liberty?” - -Udo replied in the affirmative. - -Hammersley gave a gasp of relief. - -“That is well. I need not worry. He will come and release you.” - -Von Winden only frowned. - -“Listen, Udo,” went on Hammersley quickly, “Fräulein Mather and I are -going down from here, leaving you alone. It can’t be helped. You’ve -stumbled up here and you’ve got to take your chance. In time you may -wear the strings through against a rock. If you don’t return to -Blaufelden by tomorrow, Lindberg will find you.” - -“But suppose anything happened to Lindberg,” Doris was whispering. “Ah, -Cyril, it would be terrible to leave him here. I should dream of it -every night of my life.” - -Udo’s eyes smiled at her. - -“There is little danger. Graf von Winden is not a man to be so easily -beaten. He will get away by tonight. But in the meanwhile we will have -gone far enough to be out of his reach.” - -“Where are we going?” - -“To England, child--in the Yellow Dove,” he laughed. - -Doris started away from him, her eyes suddenly brilliant with -excitement, and the prisoner, who had lain without movement, showed -sudden signs of activity, his eyes frowning and his head wagging in -anxiety. - -“He wants to speak,” said Doris. - -Hammersley bent over his cousin. - -“Will you promise not to shout?” - -Von Winden nodded quickly. So Hammersley untied the bandages that held -the handkerchief in the prisoner’s mouth and helped him to a sitting -posture. - -“You must not go,” he stammered quickly in German. “It is impossible. -You will fail. I warn you.” - -“Why do you think so?” - -“The machines are guarded, and the spark-plugs of your Taube have been -removed and hidden.” - -“H’m,” said Hammersley thoughtfully. “Excellenz neglects nothing.” - -“You would go to your death.” - -“Perhaps. Thanks for the warning,” said Hammersley bluntly. “I’m going -just the same.” - -Von Winden looked at him in amazement. “You do not believe me?” he -asked. “It is the truth, I tell you.” - -“I shall find a way.” - -“But there is no way. You think that I am trying to persuade you to -escape by the mountains so that you may be captured with the papers?” - -“Yes. I could not escape that way now. You know it.” - -“Perhaps not, but what you plan is insane.” - -“Fortune favors the fool. I’ve made up my mind.” - -“Then you deserve to be shot,” said Udo. “In the forest at least you -would have a chance--_Ach_--!” He gave a guttural exclamation and then: -“Bind me and leave me then--quickly. It’s good-by.” - -“Good-by, Udo,” said Hammersley with a smile. “We’ll meet again, when -Hesse-Nassau is an English province.” - -“Bah, Cyril,” said von Winden. “I have always said that you were a -fool.” - -Hammersley replaced the gag and bound it into place with great care, -smiling the while. Then he removed the belt which contained his -cousin’s supply of cartridges and fastened it around his own body above -Lindberg’s, loading the two weapons with care and placing them in their -holsters. - -Doris watched these preparations anxiously, but Hammersley made her -eat her fill of chocolate and biscuits and when they had finished, he -went to the corner of the cavern and brought forth a large and heavy -parcel which he put on the table and opened. Doris saw that Captain von -Winden was straightening on the couch trying to see what it contained. -Hammersley did not even glance in his direction. He seemed to know by -instinct that Udo’s curiosity had gotten the better of his dignity. He -opened the package deliberately and spread the contents out upon the -table. - -“Spare parts of the Taube, Udo. I’ve had them here for weeks. I’ll -let you have a peep at ’em if you like. A socket-wrench, spark-plugs, -bolts, nuts and wire--by Jove--we might have used that on Udo.” - -“You are afraid that what he says is true,” whispered Doris anxiously. -“Von Stromberg is prepared for you.” - -“I wonder,” he said. - - - - -CHAPTER XXI - -HARE AND HOUNDS - - -For two hours or more, Hammersley and the girl, taking turn and turn, -watched the road and forest from the amphitheater of rocks. The road -in times of peace was a short route from Windenberg to Schöndorf and -popular with the market-folk. But the restrictions put upon visits to -Blaufelden had resulted in the diversion of traffic from the south -slope of the mountains to the longer road in the valley upon the other -side. The few who appeared were men in uniform. From his lofty perch -Hammersley espied Captain Wentz as he hurried by with several men in an -automobile. Just beyond the crag the automobile was stopped and the men -dismounted and went on afoot. Clearly they meant to continue the search -abroad. Hammersley chuckled. - -“Hare and hounds!” he muttered to himself. “The more men to the -eastward, the fewer to the west. By Jove!” - -The expletive was not unusual with Hammersley but the manner of its -utterance gave it importance. He crossed the level quickly and peered -again at the vanishing figures of the men. A new idea had been born. -Hare and hounds! A game he had played at Eton--a game as old as sport, -as old as hunting! And for such a prize! - -He hurried into the cave, glancing hurriedly at his watch. It was noon. -Doris sat upon the stool near Udo von Winden. Hammersley went over to -their captive and examined his bonds and then gave the girl a few hasty -instructions. - -“I am going down below to be gone two--perhaps three hours.” - -A quick intake of the breath escaped her but she caught her under lip -in her teeth and said nothing. - -“Don’t worry,” he went on cheerfully, “I’m coming back. I’ll promise -you that. I’ve got a plan,” he whispered, “a new plan, a noble plan, -a plan that will make our game an easy one. It will be harder for you -than for me, Doris, because you’ve only got to sit and wait and try to -be patient.” - -While he was talking he had taken off the belts that contained the -two pistols, fastening one around Doris. Then he took off his leather -jacket and put it on the table, fastening the other belt containing -Udo’s cartridges and automatic over his gray sweater. She watched him -timidly. - -“But suppose Graf von Winden should get his arms free,” she protested. -“I cannot shoot him, Cyril--I cannot--not that----” - -“He won’t trouble you. I’ll arrange that.” He took from his coat pocket -the documents captured from the Emperor’s messenger and held them up so -that Udo von Winden could see them. - -“I must leave you for a while, Udo. Awfully sorry, but it’s most -urgent.” He laughed. “You won’t mind, will you? Or try to make things -difficult?” - -He turned quickly and while both the girl and the prisoner wondered -what he was about to do, he went to the tin box in the corner, brought -out a new candle, lighted it and held the papers so that the prisoner -could see them. - -“Do you observe what I am doing, Udo? Miss Mather will sit here upon -the opposite side of the cave. If you attempt to get up from your bed, -she will burn the papers. Simple, isn’t it? Also quite effective. She -doesn’t want to shoot you, Udo--nor do I. And of course if the papers -were burned, it wouldn’t hurt England a great deal. As long as the -papers are in Germany, my capture may throw them into German hands, -_nicht wahr_?” - -Udo von Winden’s head moved slightly from left to right. - -With an _auf wiedersehen_ thrown over his shoulder at Udo, Hammersley -went outside the cave, where Doris followed him. She was on the point -of tears, but she succeeded in a smile. - -“Don’t worry, Doris, old girl. Just going down for a stroll about.” - -“But why, Cyril?” - -“Goin’ to throw ’em off the scent,” he whispered. - -“But they’re already off the scent.” - -For answer he kissed her gently and bade her keep up her courage. Then -he gave her the papers, saw her inside the cave again and in a moment -was gone. - -The more Hammersley thought of his plan the better it seemed to him. -The day was still young. In three hours he could do much. He crossed -the amphitheater of rocks and followed the rocky gorge by which he had -entered last night and when he emerged upon the farther side, paused -and watched for a while to be sure that Wentz and his men were not in -sight and then descended the face of the rocks skillfully and in a -moment was creeping on all fours through the underbrush up the side of -the mountain. It was steep here and rugged, but in a while he reached -the old deer trail over which he had passed when he had doubled on his -pursuers last night. But instead of following it, he halted a moment to -listen and then crossed into the undergrowth which at this point was so -thick that at twenty paces even he was not visible. He slipped among -the treetrunks and evergreens, moving rapidly, making a wide circle up -the mountainside almost to its top, descending then by easy stages, -until he had covered four miles at least when he bore slowly down -toward the Schöndorf road. - -Hare and hounds! An exciting game even in the old days when it meant -athletic honors, but now, with the alternatives of death as the penalty -of capture and a great triumph as the reward of escape, it made his -blood run madly. A good game--a fair game, with success as the reward -of intelligence. - -He planned carefully. He must be sure to come down into the open at -a spot beyond where Wentz and his men were searching. He knew the -country well. There was a village on the hillside, half a mile below. -It was midway between Schöndorf and the farm house at Blaufelden. -The families of some of the foresters lived there and there was -telephonic connection both with the farm and Windenberg. All of the -men of Mittelwald who were not in the Forest Service were off at the -front and the chances were that unless Wentz and his men were there, -Hammersley would see only women and children. But he knew that von -Stromberg had neglected nothing that would give an inkling of his -whereabouts and his presence would be at once reported and the chase -begin. He was in excellent condition, trained a little too fine perhaps -for an Englishman, but fit. He had done little running since leaving -the University, and though he had lost some of his old speed, he -could rely upon the thought of his danger and Doris’s to provide the -incentive for extraordinary effort. - -Mittelwald lay in a clearing similar to that at Blaufelden, and its -farms, if farms they could be called, clambered up the hillside -and straggled over beyond the road where they were merged into the -undergrowth of young oaks. The Schöndorf road, curving this way -and that, passed between the houses, which were set at irregular -intervals, like the strips on the tail of a kite. He went on through -the underbrush, coming out into the open upon the road at the point -where it entered the woods upon the Schöndorf side. Then he settled his -automatic loosely in its sheath, and went forward boldly. His eye had -marked the line of the telephone wire and followed it to the gable of -one of the largest houses in the village. It was to this house that he -made his way. A young woman was working in the garden and he approached -her quietly and politely, but with an air of a man not to be trifled -with, asked for food. He was aware that he was unshorn, covered with -mud, and that his face was streaked with dirt and perspiration, but he -knew that his appearance alone could not have accounted for the sudden -blanching of the woman’s face and the air of alarm with which she -regarded him. She straightened and fell back two or three paces toward -the house, unable to speak a word in reply. So he repeated his request, -while her mouth gaped at him and her eyes grew rounder. At last she -managed to stammer, - -“Food! You are hungry?” - -“Yes. Potato bread--anything, but quickly. I will go with you to the -house.” And he indicated the way. - -She stumbled on before him, her head jerking anxiously this way and -that over her shoulder as though she feared at any moment to receive -a blow or a shot in the back. But he followed her indoors and noted -with satisfaction that she appeared after all to be a woman of some -intelligence. A thing that pleased him further was the telephone -instrument in the corner. - -“Milk, if you please, and quickly. I will take the bread with me.” And -while she timorously brought them out, “Who lives here?” - -“F-Förster Habermehl.” - -“Where is he?” peremptorily. - -“At Windenberg.” - -“Oh! There are no men here?” - -“No.” - -“That is well, then.” He drank a glass of milk greedily and tore off a -piece of the loaf. “You are a good girl. Heaven will reward you.” He -made his way to the door, looking out cautiously, and then turned and -put his hand in his pocket, bringing out a piece of money. “See,” he -laughed, “I have concluded to reward you myself. Cash. Much better than -hopes, _nicht wahr_?” - -She fetched a timorous smile and bobbed shyly. - -“You will do me a favor,” he said in a whisper as he went out of the -door, “if you will tell no one of my visit.” - -And with that, chuckling to himself, went down the road again in the -direction of Schöndorf, watching the turn in the road below the village -for a glimpse of Wentz and his men. Before he reached the edge of the -open country he paused and listened. From the house that he had visited -came the faint tinkle of a bell. Frau Habermehl had lost no time. She -had notified the master of the hounds who was clamoring for the scent. - -Hammersley walked around the turn in the road, which hid him from the -house, and then went into the bushes where he sat on a fallen log, -peeping through the leaves toward the further side of the clearing, -where General von Stromberg’s men must appear. He did not know how -long he would have to wait. Half an hour, perhaps longer. If he knew -anything of von Stromberg, they would come in every sort of available -vehicle, from a high-powered machine to a donkey cart, picking up the -misguided Wentz and his men upon the way to follow this new scent. It -was difficult to sit still and wait. Hammersley wanted a smoke awfully, -but he chewed a twig instead, for he needed to keep his wind in good -condition and had purposely left his pipe at the Thorwald. He did not -want to get too far away from Doris. By the way he intended to return -he was now at least six miles from the cavern and with the mile or so -he must go toward Schöndorf before he turned, a good eight miles of -rough going lay between himself and safety. - -Under other circumstances, he would have greatly enjoyed the chance for -a rest. With a cooler wind from the northeast the weather had cleared -and the period of higher temperatures through which they had passed -seemed to be drawing to a close. In spite of the doubts that hung about -his plan, he couldn’t help saying to himself that he felt jolly fit. - -Twenty minutes--twenty-five. He got up and stretched his long limbs -luxuriously. The hare was ready. It was time they cast forward the -hounds. A peep through the bushes showed him Frau Habermehl standing -near her home watching the road to Windenberg. So he came out of his -place of concealment and stood in the open again until he was sure -that she saw him, when he turned and went slowly toward Schöndorf. He -had planned his moment nicely for before he was out of sight of the -clearing, an automobile came into view--paused a moment before Frau -Habermehl and then came on rapidly. - -Hammersley waited until they had “viewed” him and then cut into the -woods to his left, slipping from tree to tree not fifty yards in the -cover when the machine came to a stop and the men jumped down and came -after him. He did not know who was in command and did not care, but -just to show them that he was the man they were after, he risked a -shot with his automatic and then sped along rapidly, working up the -mountainside, following in a general way the direction of Schöndorf. -He heard them plunging after him in full cry and the sound of their -footsteps made him move at a rare pace. He knew well this piece of -woods, and in a moment came to a path which curved to the right, -leading straight up the mountain. When he reached it he paused to -look over his shoulder. It was difficult to see the green uniforms, -but there was a flash of light from a patch of fir trees and a twig -just above his head fell across his path. His curiosity was satisfied. -He shut his mouth and, breathing through his nostrils, went off with -a burst of speed which put him around a turn in the path before any -of the green uniforms had come into sight. He had them coming now, -two--three men--one little one and two big ones. He caught a glimpse of -them in a moment when the path came into a glade of rocks and barrens. -There was his danger. A chance shot might get him when they emerged, -before he found the cover again. But leaping from rock to rock he -managed to reach the path upon the other side, and their shots went -wild. - -When he reached cover he halted a moment for a breath, firing a shot in -the direction of the advancing men, who promptly dropped to cover. And -when they came on again, he had gained a clear lead of a hundred yards -or more. - -He had foreseen his greatest danger--of being caught in thick -underbrush and surrounded--so he kept to the main path, only leaving -it for a smaller and more tortuous one, when the other turned down -the mountain toward the road again. Since the exchange of shots his -pursuers had become more cautious and when they reached the fork of the -paths they stopped, sweating in their heavy coats and cursing lustily, -while they debated upon the question as to which path he had taken. -The hounds were at fault. From a point above, he could see them quite -clearly and one of them was the Fatalist who had been his jailor last -evening. Just to discover whether he was sincere in his philosophy, -Hammersley sent a bullet skipping above his head. He ducked and -Hammersley laughed. - -“Silly ass!” he muttered. “Fatalist! Fatality if I’d aimed at him!” - -And he was off again, for other men had joined the leaders and the -scent was hot. He carried them fast, up to the bald top of the mountain -where the going was faster, and down in the valley to the right. They -had gained nothing on him and Hammersley with his second wind was -breathing more easily, but it was almost time to double. Here was as -good a place as another for the pack of them to spend the afternoon -and he made up his mind to lose them without further ado. There was -only one runner in the lot and he was the Fatalist, though how he had -ever happened to learn to run in the Imperial Navy, Hammersley had not -the time or inclination to decide. If his philosophy limped, his legs -at least were strong and he came on rapidly leaping like a young buck -toward the opening over the crest of the knob into which Hammersley had -disappeared. A short way down was a spur of rock, the beginnings of a -ridge which cut out into the hills, the watershed of two rills which -leaped from rock to rock to the valleys below. Hammersley chose the -right-hand valley for the going was better, and went down it at top -speed for a quarter of a mile or more, pausing where the path led into -the underbrush and pines until the Fatalist should view him when he -disappeared, and then turning into the thicket circled quickly to the -left, and taking advantage of every cover, slowly and carefully climbed -the ridge to a place of vantage where he crouched and waited, to have -the satisfaction a moment later of seeing his ex-jailor, weapon in -hand, go plunging down the path past his place of concealment. - -Hammersley listened a moment to the sounds of crashing feet in front -of him and behind, and then, creeping slowly and making what speed he -could, crossed the ridge and in a while was out of sight and hearing of -them. He feared little in crossing the other valley, for his pursuers -were strung out in a line, each in sight of the other, and would follow -the leader like a flock of sheep. But there was little time to waste -and the greatest test of Hammersley’s endurance and Doris’s was to -come. For two, perhaps three hours, these men would search for him, and -more would come. The Fatalist would bear the brunt of their failure, -but in the meanwhile Hammersley must reach the cave in the Thorwald -and take Doris to Blaufelden. The first part of the return run must be -done at top speed to save time which would be needed later. So when he -crossed the second valley in safety and had reached the mountaintop, -Hammersley abandoned all caution, risking the chance of meeting Wentz -and his men, and with a sharp lookout ahead of him went as fast as he -could along the ridge, finding at last the trail by which he had come -earlier in the day, down which he ran with a long stride which covered -the four miles in less than half an hour. He reached the upper passage -to the cave in safety and in a moment was safe behind the projecting -bowlders of the amphitheater. He was breathing heavily, and the sweat -was pouring from him. Doris was watching for him. - -“They’re following you? They’re coming?” she asked nervously. - -He quieted her and led her inside the cave, where he dropped for a -moment of rest upon the stool. Doris watched him anxiously. In a moment -he was laughing. - -“Oh, I led ’em a rippin’ run straight for Schöndorf,” he gasped. -“They’re pattin’ me out--six miles from here--on the top of the -Schmalzberg. Lord!” he grinned, “but that was a breather.” - -She brought him the pitcher of water but he only rinsed his mouth. - -“How are you feelin’? Fit?” - -She nodded. - -“Right-o. Come along. We’re off.” - -He went over to the prisoner and examined his bonds carefully. - -“Poor old Udo!” he muttered in German. “I’ve got to go. You might worry -through those strings. It’s the only way, because I’m not leaving any -matches.” - -He leaned over and patted his cousin on the shoulder. “Good-by, Udo,” -he said. “We’ll meet again, some day, as friends, my cousin--as -friends.” - -Von Winden’s eyes met Hammersley’s and then he lowered his head upon -the balsam boughs. - -There was no time for amenities. Hammersley slipped on his leather -jacket and cap, fastening his belt outside, reloaded his automatic, -filled the pockets of Doris’s coat with biscuit and chocolate, -then made a bundle of the tools and spare parts, which he selected -carefully, and in a moment he and Doris were outside on the ridge, -peering over toward the road below. All was quiet, and they descended -carefully to the projecting rock, pausing there to listen again. The -machine of Wentz, which had been left near the crag, had gone on toward -Mittelwald. Hammersley smiled. The plan had worked. It was working. -They _must_ succeed. - -Down in the bushes at the foot of the crag by the road they paused -again, listening, and then Hammersley went forward, peering out, up and -down the road. Silence. Solitude. Leading the way, with the hand of -the girl in his, he quickly crossed and plunged into the undergrowth -silently until they had reached a distance which would defy detection -from the road. Then Hammersley bore to the right and went on rapidly. - -Doris’s heart was beating high with excitement and hope. The Yellow -Dove! Could they reach the hangar safely, and when there could they -tune up undetected? The success of the venture seemed impossible for -there must still be men on guard at Blaufelden--someone! But as they -went on through the wood, she found some of the contagion of Cyril’s -audacity. He seemed tireless. When they reached a trail which led in -the desired direction, without speaking to her, he set forward into a -steady jog trot which put them well upon their way. He turned around -from time to time and watched her, and when he saw that she was nearly -blown he slowed down to a walk and explained his plan. - -“Jolly flyin’ weather this. Once we’re in the air they can’t stop us, -Doris. She’s armored around the cockpit and engines, and they haven’t -anything heavier than a rifle at Blaufelden. We’ll go up the Rhine to -the sea, flyin’ high. Then cut to the left along the coast, as far as -the French line, and then go in to Ypres and from there to General -French’s headquarters. You can easily tell by the lines of trenches. I -want you to listen carefully. I’ve got two seats and double control. -The arrangement is just the same as on your Nieuport, only she answers -her control much more slowly. The wheel is on a universal joint; the -gas, on your wheel, the spark to your left, the magneto, a button in -front of you. She starts by compressed air.” - -“But the exhaust, Cyril,” she gasped, “before we go--it’s only a few -hundred yards from the shed to the house!” - -“We’re going to risk that. With luck we’ll be movin’ in three minutes, -and then----” He paused grimly. - -“And then----?” - -“I’d like to see a dozen stop us.” - -He had such perfect assurance that all doubt left her. Indeed, to -Doris, he seemed endowed with some hidden fount of initiative and -inspiration, and she was willing to believe anything he told her. They -went on rapidly, while he answered all her questions and gave her -final instructions, until at last they reached a path, the same, he -told her, by which they had come from the farm last night. They started -up a frightened deer, which fled away from them, but they didn’t -pause until the path cut sharply to the right and through the bushes -they could see the buildings of Blaufelden. There they stopped and -Hammersley went forward to investigate. - -In the direction of the farmhouse was no sign of animation except -the thread of smoke that rose from the kitchen chimney. The back of -the hangar was just in front of them, a bare wall of wood, a hundred -and fifty feet long. The opening was upon the other side, to the -west, a huge canvas flap, toggled at the bottom to rings in the sill. -Hammersley came back and whispered to Doris to follow him. Until -the starting of the engine, this was the most hazardous part of the -proceeding, for, if they were seen from the house, there would be no -time for Hammersley to put the engines in order. He led her south -to a point in the woods where the storehouse hid them from the main -buildings, when, crouching low to avoid possible detection from the -Windenberg road, they covered the fifty yards to the storehouse and -waited again, completely hidden from all points except the forest -behind them, while Cyril looked around the edge of the building, and -then beckoned to her to follow. In a moment they had slipped between -the end of the canvas flap and the door, and were within the dusky -interior of the shed. - -Before them stretched the wide expanse of the Yellow Dove, a huge -biplane with a spread, as nearly as Doris could figure it, of a hundred -and twenty feet from tip to tip. She stood before it in wonder and -awe, admiring its fine lines and sturdy appearance. A dragon-fly her -Nieuport was beside this great eagle of the air. The other machine, -an Etrich monoplane, which was used by Udo von Winden, seemed lost in -the shadows of the larger wings. Doris stood quite still, as Cyril had -directed, while he moved off noiselessly in the dim light. She saw him -slipping from one spot to another, quickly examining this and that, and -at last saw him climb up into the machine with his kit of tools. She -came nearer as he whispered down to her: - -“They’ve taken out some plugs. I’ll have ’em in shortly.” And then: “Go -around the lower plane and tell me if the guys are all taut.” - -She did as he asked, while she heard him above working over the engines. - -“How long will it take?” she whispered. - -“I can’t tell--twenty minutes, perhaps. The petrol tanks are empty, -too.” - -“I want to help.” - -“Are the wires all fast?” - -“Yes.” - -“Good. Then bring me the hose from the petrol tank. It’s there beside -you in the corner. You can run it in while I’m workin’.” - -She did as she was bid, climbing up with a feeling of exultation into -the tall machine beside him. - -“The reserve tank first--” he whispered. “Up here between the planes. -Here’s a wrench. The opening is on the top.” - -They worked side by side, noiselessly and efficiently, Hammersley -fitting the missing spark-plugs and connecting a new coil wire which -had been removed. He looked over the machine carefully, but could -find nothing else missing, or even needing adjustment, for he had -taken care yesterday morning, as was his custom, to go over the engine -with his own hands. The impairment of the engine was of no serious -consequence, and intended only to delay. Von Stromberg had not counted -on such a chance for readjustment as this, or upon Hammersley’s reserve -supply of necessary material. And unless they had done something else -that he could not discover--but what? While he worked Hammersley tried -to think, casting between times anxious glances at the gears, the -propellers and the control wires. The reserve tank of petrol was filled -and the hose was steadily pouring the stuff into the one under the -forward cockpit, which was full by the time the plugs and wires were -all adjusted. - -“That will be enough, Doris,” he whispered. “We only need to get to the -English lines. There’s no time for more.” - -She saw him try the wheel, watching the connecting gear keenly, and, -when he ordered it, she climbed down into the rear seat. He gave her a -leather coat, gloves and helmet, and buckled her into her seat. Then, -in a state of nervous tension, they waited. She saw Cyril climb down, -coolly wiping his hands with a piece of waste, restore the hose to its -place, and then peer out from a slit in the canvas door. Then he bent -over, and running quickly along the flap from side to side, one after -another quickly unfastened the toggles which held it in place. - -“We’ve got to chance it now,” he whispered up to her. “If she doesn’t -work--God help us----” - -“But the canvas----” - -“The machine will----” - -He stopped abruptly, for Doris’s eyes were staring in panic at -something behind him. Hammersley whirled quickly toward the slit in -the canvas, his automatic in his hand. There, not four paces away, -blinking into the dusk, stood the tall figure of His Excellency, -General Graf von Stromberg. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII - -FROM THE HEIGHTS - - -Hammersley had him covered, and the General made no move to defend -himself. He bent his head and folded his arms, peering into -Hammersley’s eyes like a short-sighted man trying to adjust his vision -to an unaccustomed task. But his frown relaxed almost immediately and -his lips separated, showing a gleam of teeth. - -“My compliments, Herr Hammersley,” he said. “You have done well. It -pleases me to meet at last----” - -“Move your right hand again the fraction of an inch and I will shoot, -Excellenz,” said Hammersley, in the sharp, quick accents of a resolute -man. - -Von Stromberg only smiled more broadly. But he did not move. He had -seen enough of Herr Hammersley to respect his sincerity. - -“I have staked my professional reputation upon your presence elsewhere, -Herr Hammersley. Instinct, perhaps, led me here. I do not know what -else. But I came alone. I am not armed.” - -Hammersley was in no mood for trifling and time was flying. Better to -shoot the man and be done with it, but he couldn’t, somehow. Instead he -searched him quickly for weapons. - -“You’re too late, Excellenz. I am sorry, but I have no time for -conversation.” - -“You will at least let me pay you the compliment of saying that the -Prussian blood in you has made you the most brilliant Englishman I have -ever met.” - -“I have no time to match phrases with you----” - -“_Ach_, but you match what is much more important--a genius for -dissimulation. Yesterday you disappointed me, Herr Hammersley, with -your talk of plans--of fortifications--of Strassburg. I had been hoping -that you were playing a deeper game, something that would relieve the -flat monotony of my routine. You were to save me from utter boredom. It -is true. I had hoped that. I was disappointed when I thought that you -were like the others. Disappointed! I should have known----” - -“And now that I have the papers--what are you going to do about it?” -asked Hammersley with a touch of bravado. - -Von Stromberg shrugged. - -“I confess that I am so rapt in admiration of your genius that I am at -a loss--I must yield to the inevitable. But I am happy in the knowledge -that only a person of the skill of Herr Hammersley could have succeeded -in outwitting the head of the Secret Service Department of the Empire.” - -“Enough of this!” Hammersley broke in. “I should kill you, General -von Stromberg, but I won’t if you obey me promptly. Stand aside--over -there--against the wall. If you move, I’ll shoot. I’m going out of -here.” - -Von Stromberg did as he was bidden, and his long strides and erect -carriage had lost none of their dignity. When he reached the wall he -turned with a smile. Then he said suavely: - -“I fear, Herr Hammersley, that you will not go forth as rapidly as you -like.” - -Hammersley only laughed at him. - -“We’ll see about that.” He took a stride to the canvas curtain and had -a quick look outside. And then to the girl: “Crank her, Doris! The -compressed air--the button to the left beside the wheel!” - -There was a long pause when Doris reached forward in her seat. A pause -filled with meanings for Hammersley, in which his fate and hers, was -hanging in the balance. Von Stromberg seemed to read his thoughts, and -the wolfish smile spread again over his face. - -“It is just possible,” he said blandly, “that someone may have been -tinkering with the machinery.” - -There was another long silence--a moment of agony for Hammersley. - -“Yes, _I_ have,” roared Hammersley exultantly. - -For just then there was a violent explosion, deafening in the enclosed -space, like the roar of a giant cracker would have been--another--and -then more rapidly another, followed by a number of concussions, like -a pack of giant crackers catching intermittently and then in quick -succession. - -General von Stromberg’s smile faded--then vanished in a look of -inefficacy and dismay. He was senile. Hammersley’s grin derided him. -Speech was impossible, but the muzzle of the automatic was as eloquent -as before. One more explosion or six, for that matter, would add little -to the din. Von Stromberg’s life hung by a hair at that moment and -he knew it. Still covering His Excellency, who was now glancing at -the slit in the curtain beside him, Hammersley climbed up to the seat -in front of Doris in the cockpit of the machine. And just as he was -putting a leg over, His Excellency took a quick glance upward, which -had in it a world of expression--and bolted. - -Hammersley’s shot must have missed. He looked around at Doris and -laughed, and she saw the light of triumph that rode in his eyes. The -exhaust was roaring steadily now, but with one hand on the wheel and -in the other his automatic, Hammersley sat motionless, watching the -slits in the canvas for the men that he knew must come in a moment. -At a gesture of his, Doris sank low in the cockpit, her hands on the -wheel, watching, too, and ready to do her share as Cyril had directed. -One--two minutes passed--she seemed to be counting the seconds. The -body of the machine was trembling as though with the excitement of the -moment and the explosions had blended into one continuous roar. Cyril -threw the clutch in and the note lowered as the propellers began to -whirr. The huge fabric jumped forward, gathering momentum as it went, -until by the time it reached the canvas curtain in front of it, it was -going as fast as a man would run. The weight of the heavy flap retarded -it for a moment, but it went steadily on, and the canvas was pushed -outward--then rose--it seemed to Doris like the curtain on a melodrama. -Men were running up, shooting as they ran. They clutched at the toggles -and swung off their feet, falling in a heap upon the ground. She saw -a man, the only one not in uniform, take hold of the lower plane and -try to stop the momentum. It was John Rizzio. She saw his face for -a second, dark, handsome, smiling. Cyril rose in his seat and their -weapons streamed fire. Rizzio moved backward with the machine, still -clinging to the lower plane, and then disappeared, passing under it, -just where the blades of the right-hand propeller were. - -A slight shock and a shapeless mass went rolling over and over until -it brought up motionless against the jamb of the door. Two other men, -Foresters, warned by Rizzio’s fate, sprang aside with horror in their -eyes. Doris sank lower in her seat, her cheeks bloodless, grasping her -wheel with icy hands, filled with horror. Cyril had sunk down in his -seat, clutching at the side of the cockpit, his weapon falling from -his fingers. With an effort she steadied her hold on the wheel. The -canvas curtain had passed over their heads. They were in the open. To -the right, coming from the Windenberg road, a machine filled with men -was dashing across the field before them at a diagonal which would -intercept them. She heard shots near at hand. Cyril did not move. She -had a glimpse of General von Stromberg, who had snatched a pistol from -the hand of the nearest soldier and fired. - -They were moving fast. But the automobile in the field before them -seemed to be moving faster--Captain Wentz and four men! She saw Cyril’s -hand rise in front of her, pointing to the left to avoid them, but -Wentz came on. The Yellow Dove was still running on its wheels. She -saw the danger. Wentz was aiming at a collision. She pulled her wheel -toward her instinctively and the Yellow Dove rose, skimming the ground. -She felt it lifting, slowly, now rapidly. The automobile seemed about -to strike them. Another jerk on the wheel and the skids of the Yellow -Dove just grazed the wind-shield of the machine, and a soldier leaped -into the air, trying to catch a hold, missed and tumbled to the ground. -In the car men were shouting like demons, and a volley of pistol -bullets pierced the planes. She felt them strike the armored body, but -she sank lower, clutching her wheel. - -Clear? They must be. A second of agonized suspense and she saw Cyril -turn his head and look down behind them. His face was white but his -eye flashed triumph. His lips moved, but she heard nothing. Safe? They -must be. The Yellow Dove, mounting easily, had cleared the trees at -the border of the farm and before the eyes of the girl stretched only -undulating surfaces of gray and green. - -In front of her Cyril lay back in his seat. His hands clutched the -sides of the cockpit. O God! She had not been sure before what his -sudden lassitude had meant. He had been hit! John Rizzio! He turned -around and smiled at her and one hand, stretched before him, pointed -up and to the right. Her throat closed and her heart seemed to stop -its beating and the Dove for a moment swung and tossed like a drunken -thing, but with an effort she inclined her wheel and met it. Cyril -again raised his fingers and pointed upwards. Higher! She tipped the -wheel further toward her. His gesture was like an appeal to Heaven--a -symbol of his faith in her and in the God of both. She set her lips and -obeyed. Broken and helpless--perhaps dying, he was putting his faith in -her. She must not fail him now. - -She kept her gaze before her over Cyril’s head, trying to gain strength -for what she had to do, thinking that she was in England--at Ashwater -Park--and that the wheel she held was that of her own little Nieuport. -There seemed to be little difference between them, except that the -Yellow Dove was easier to manage. It responded to the slightest touch, -and had a magnificent steadiness that reassured Doris as to her ability -to do the thing that was required of her. - -The mountains had fallen below them and the horizon had widened until -it blurred into the haze of the distance. She looked down on what -seemed to her a plain of purple velvet touched with lighter patches -of orange and violet. Before her the sun was setting blood red in a -sea of amber. She mounted above it into the clear empyrean of azure, -higher--higher yet. She felt the exhilaration of large spaces, the -joy of conquest over all material things. Death even did not dismay -her--Cyril’s--her own. She seemed to have crossed at a bound, from the -realm of substance into that of immateriality. Her soul already sang in -accord with the angels. They were mated. She and Cyril--mated! And even -Death should not separate them. - -Dusk fell slowly below them, like a black giant striding across the -face of the earth, but all was still bright and clear about her. The -red ball of the sun would not set. She was going upward--upward into -the realm of continuous and perfect day. Below her a thread of silk, -thrown carelessly upon a purple carpet. The Rhine! She saw Cyril’s hand -come up and move feebly to the right. She turned slowly and followed -its direction. The Rhine--she remembered Cyril’s words back there in -the woods. She must follow the Rhine to the sea and then turn to the -westward along the coast. She would do it. She must. - -Cyril was hurt--but perhaps not badly. His gestures reassured her. He -moved his hand in a level line in front of him and she understood. -They had mounted high enough. The barograph showed four thousand -feet. She brought the wheel up to normal and held it there. The wind -burned her cheeks and she knew from the changes in the river below -her that the speed of the Yellow Dove was terrific--ninety miles--a -hundred--a hundred and twenty--an hour--perhaps much more--she did not -know. The speed got into her blood. Faster, faster, was the song her -pulses sung. She was a part of the Yellow Dove now, and it was a part -of herself. Its wings were her wings and its instinct was in her own -fingertips. - -Night fell slowly, a luminous night full of stars. She seemed to be -hanging among them--to be one of them--watching the earth pass under -her. Two of them gleamed like St. Elmo’s lights at the tips of the -planes. The sky was clear and bright, of a deep bluish purple, like -the skies she remembered high up on the plains of the great West in -her own country. The air was bitter cold upon her face and she blessed -Cyril’s foresight for the helmet, gloves and old leather jacket that -he had put on her in the hangar. In front of her Cyril leaned slightly -to one side and his right hand touched a button, throwing an electric -light in a hood in front of the wheel upon the face of the compass -and barograph. She glanced at them quickly--four thousand feet--the -direction north-northwest. She longed to speak to him and shouted his -name. But in the roar of the engines she could not hear her own voice. - -He still sat up, the fingers of his right hand moving from time to -time as he gave her the direction. She thanked God for that--he was -alive--he would live until they reached Ypres. He _must_ live. He -_must_. She set her teeth upon the words and _willed_ it, praying at -last aloud with lips that screamed yet made no sound. - -Below her moved the lights of a city. She did not know what it was. -Cologne, perhaps. She had passed it yesterday morning in the train with -John Rizzio. Yesterday! It seemed a year ago. Cologne--then Dusseldorf. -The river was not difficult to follow. She lost it once and then -moving at a lower altitude she found it quickly. But the old terror was -gripping her now. Cyril! His fingers no longer moved directing her. He -had sunk lower in his seat and his head had fallen back upon one side, -his face upturned to the stars. Was he----? - -She put the thought from her. It was impossible. She had prayed. Not -that.... He had only fainted from pain, from sickness. Not dead--she -would not--could not believe it. She longed to reach forward--to let -him feel her hand upon his neck--that he might know her pity and her -pain. It almost seemed better that death should come to them both now -than that he should die and not know the comforting touch of her hand. -She leaned forward and one hand left the wheel, but she lost her touch -of the air and the planes tipped drunkenly, threatening the destruction -she courted. - -The madness passed--and with its passing came a calm, ice-cold. She -was no longer a sentient being. She was merely an instinct with wings, -flying as the eagle flies straight for its goal. She kept her glance on -the compass and followed the river. North-northwest. The silver thread -had become a ribbon now, reflecting the starlight. She passed over -other towns. She could see their lights, but her gaze was fixed most -often on the distant horizon, where after a while she would find the -sea. - -A yellowish light, painting the under side of the plane above her head, -bewildered her. She could not understand. It was like a reflection of -a candle inside a tent. Low as it was, it blinded her eyes, accustomed -to the soft light of the stars. There was a crash nearby, in the very -air beside her it seemed, a blinding flash of light, and the Yellow -Dove toppled sideways. Instinctively she caught it, turning as she went -and rose higher--higher--as a bird flies at the sound of a shot below. -She knew now what it meant--a searchlight! They were firing at her with -the high-angle guns. She had come fast, but the wire from Windenberg -had been faster. She put the light behind her and long arms of light -still groped for her, but she rose still higher, five--six thousand -feet her barograph told her. Below, to her right, a small thing, shaped -like a dragon-fly, was spitting fire--to her left another, but she sank -lower in her seat laughing at them. Something of Cyril’s joyous bravado -possessed her. She defied them, rising far above them--higher--seven -thousand feet--eight, until she could see them no more. - -North-northwest! She found her course again and flew on into the night. -She had lost the river, but that did not matter now. She knew that -after a time--an hour or more--she must come to the sea. And when all -signs of danger were gone she went down again where she could more -plainly see the earth. The moon had come up and bathed the scene below -with its soft light, and far ahead of her she saw irregular streaks of -pale gray against long lines of purplish black. The sea? She had lost -all idea of time and distance. How far the sea was from Windenberg -she did not know, and if she had known it, the passage of time was a -blank to her--a continuous roar, the music of the spheres which took no -thought of time or space. The flight had lasted but a minute--and an -eternity. - -To her left the gray streaks were nearer--west by north her compass -said, and she steered for them. Soon she made out distinctly contours -of large masses of gray against the black--water and land. The air was -milder and she sniffed the salt. She went down to three thousand feet -to get her bearings, ever watchful for the dragon-flies and ready to -soar again at the first flash of a searchlight. She had already learned -to avoid the planes where the lights were grouped--the colonies of -glow-worms that here meant danger. - -Had she crossed the Belgian line? She had been to Antwerp, to Brussels, -and tried to remember what they had looked like on the map. There was -water near Antwerp--she remembered that, inland bodies of water which -led to the sea. Now she could see beyond the bodies of inland water to -a wide expanse of gray beyond the dark--uninterrupted gray--the ocean! -She bore to her left until her course was due west. A searchlight -flashed upon her for a second and was gone. By the way the contours -were changing she knew that her speed was terrific. And slowly but -more and more certainly as she neared the sea, a problem presented -itself--her goal! Where was it, and how to find it in the dark? Cyril -had said that they must land back of Ypres. But where was Ypres? Beyond -Ostend and inland--thirty--forty miles. She knew that much from the war -maps that she had pored over with her father. But how to find it? - -She was over the sea now. The Yellow Dove felt a new breeze and the -wheel tugged under her hand, but the machine lifted at the touch and -wheeled like a gull to speed down the coast. Ostend! The Kursaal! -If she could get a sight of it! It was dangerous, but she must go -lower--three--two hundred feet from the sea, where she might make out -familiar profiles against the sky. - -The waves rose to meet her, reflecting the starlight, and just below -her to the left the surf rolled in lines of white upon the beach. -Dunes, dunes interminably, with here and there a collection of huts. -A dark shape moved in the water ahead of her, another---- Warships? -Destroyers. She wheeled out to sea and flew above them, but before they -had time even to get their searchlights ranged upon her, the danger was -past. She would win now. The Yellow Dove was invincible. - -A dark irregular mass ahead of her rose above the monotony of dunes, -buildings, and a bulk she seemed to recognize--a round dome iridescent -like a soap bubble in the moonlight. The Kursaal! Ostend! She was -nearing her destination--the end of the German lines. Friends were -near--Belgians, French, and English. Twenty--thirty miles beyond Ostend -and then inland somewhere back of Ypres she would find the English. -The English lines were thirty or forty miles long, she remembered. -It should not be difficult to find them. She must be sure to go far -enough--but not too far--not to where the French army joined the -British forces. Cyril’s papers must go to the English, to General -French himself. He had said so. - -She had no way of judging distance except by the passage of the -minutes. At the speed she was flying she must turn inland in fifteen -minutes. She had no watch and she tried counting the seconds. She had -counted sixty--four times--when a battery hidden among the dunes along -the shore opened fire on her. She was half a mile from shore, flying -low, but the flash of light startled her and the shell burst beyond. -She rose quickly, moving further out to sea, frightened, but still -self-possessed. It would not do to fail now with the goal in sight. - -The compass gave her course southwest by west. She counted again, -guessing at the time she had lost, and then, making a wide spiral out -to sea and rising to three thousand feet, she drove the Yellow Dove -inland. Searchlights were turned on her and shots fired, but she went -higher, trying to make out if she could the lines of the opposing -armies. Red and yellow lights were displayed below to her left, and -far to her right were tiny clusters of lights, but there seemed to be -no order in their arrangement--no lines that she could distinguish -even at this height. Her keen eyes, now inured to the darkness, made -out a monoplane against the starlight ahead of her--but she swerved to -the right, the greater power of the Yellow Dove enabling her to rise -and elude it. She flew for what seemed ten or fifteen minutes, going -steadily to the south and west, when she drove for a spot where there -were no lights and then shut off the throttle and dove. - -She knew that this was perhaps the greatest moment of her great -adventure. A landing place in the dark in a country she did not know, -where a church steeple, a telegraph wire, the limb of a tree, would -bring her and her precious freight to disaster. With the sudden -shutting off of the power, a silence that bewildered her, a silence -broken only by the whirr of the wind against the planes. Her ears ached -from the change of pressure in her swift descent. She eased her wheel -back gently, trying to make out objects below. Dark patches--woods--to -be avoided, the roof of a house--another--lights here and there, small, -obscure, which she had not seen. She avoided them all, planing down in -a spiral toward what seemed to be unobstructed space. - -She breathed a prayer as the earth came up to meet her. Death----? -Whatever came--Cyril, too.... She stared straight before her, feeling -out the wind pressure on the planes, gliding as near the horizontal as -she dared. An open field! Thank God! A gentle shock and the springs -responded. The Yellow Dove rebounded slightly and ran along the ground -smoothly upon its wheels--then stopped. She tried to get up, but could -not. Her hands seemed fastened to the wheel. She heard the sound of -men’s voices shouting and saw lights, but she could not seem to make -a sound. She was shivering violently, also laughing a little, but she -had no sense of being cold. She seemed very weak somehow, and very -helpless. And then, just as the lights grew brighter--they went out. - - - - -CHAPTER XXIII - -HEADQUARTERS - - -“A woman!” she heard a man’s voice say at her ear. She was lying upon -the ground, and strange faces were bending over her. “Well, I’m damned!” - -English! - -“And the other?” she heard again. “Dead as a ’errin’!” - -Doris sat up, staring at them wildly. - -“Wait! There’s a flutter ’ere yet.” She heard the other man say. “Come, -Bill. Let’s have ’im over to the ’ouse.” - -Doris managed to find a whisper. “A surgeon--for _him_,” she said to -the man supporting her. “He will not die. He is only wounded.” - -It was her obsession. It would not leave her. - -She saw them carrying Cyril toward the house, and when they wanted to -take her, too, she said that she would walk. Though deathly weak, she -managed to reach the house where they had carried Cyril. They gave her -a drink of something and she revived. - -It was a Red Cross station, they told her, and the doctor would be here -in a moment. But in the meanwhile first aid was administered, and at -her place at his bedside she saw Cyril struggling faintly back to life. - -“He will not die,” she repeated quietly when the surgeon had examined -him gravely. - -“I hope not--but he’s bled a good deal. We’ll see.” - -They cut away his coat and wanted to send her away, but she pleaded -to remain and in a moment she heard Cyril’s voice whispering -hoarsely--“Papers--coat pocket--Sir John French.” - -“All right,” said the surgeon cheerfully. “We’ll see to that.” - -“Doris.” - -“Here, Cyril.” - -“Rippin’ fine--of you--no mistake--old girl----” - -His whisper trailed off into silence and at the surgeon’s orders they -led her away from his cot, but she would not leave the room until she -got the papers out of the pocket of his jacket. An orderly led her to -a young officer with his arm in a sling who sat at a table in another -part of the building. He listened to her story attentively and read the -documents carefully, his lips as he read emitting a thin whistle. He -glanced at his watch and for a moment left the room. - -“It is arranged. You shall go,” he said when he came back. “A machine -will be here in a moment.” He paused, examining her doubtfully. She was -spattered with grease and oil, but the pallor of her face beneath its -grime showed that her strength was near its end. “Wouldn’t you trust -those dispatches to me? It’s ten miles to headquarters and rough.” - -“No--no, I will go. I promised.” - -But he ordered some hot coffee and bread, and thus fortified, when the -motor came around she was driven upon her way. The young officer sat -beside her, eagerly listening, while she gave him a brief outline of -their adventures. - -“Amazin’!” he said from time to time. “Most amazin’!” - -And then as she went on, he said quietly: - -“You’re goin’ on your nerve, I think. Better save your strength until -we get to headquarters. It isn’t far now.” - -She tried to keep silent, but it seemed as though she must go on -talking. That seemed to give her strength to complete her task, for -when she sank back in her seat and tried to relax she only grew weak -thinking of Cyril lying back there, hovering between life and death. -And then she heard herself saying aloud, “He will not die. He has gone -through too much to die now.” - -The man beside her glanced down at her and smiled gently. - -“No, he isn’t going to die. Bullets don’t kill nowadays--unless they -kill at once.” - -“Yes--yes,” she assented. “That’s it. If he had been going to die, he -would have been dead now, wouldn’t he?” - -She laid her hand eagerly on the young officer’s arm and he put his -hand over hers. - -“Palmerston is the best surgeon along this part of the line. He’ll pull -him through. Don’t you worry.” - -“I won’t--I’ll try not to--you’re awfully kind. Would you mind telling -me your name?” - -“Jackson. Second Leinster Dragoons. And yours?” - -“Mather--Doris Mather. I--I don’t want to forget your name. You’ve been -very good to understand everything so perfectly.” - -“Oh, it’s nothing. There are reasons--I’m on Headquarters Staff, you -know.” - -That was one reason. But another one was that there was a girl at -home just as much worried over his wound as Miss Mather was over -Hammersley’s. - -They passed from the rough roads between gates into a smoother one -which was bordered with poplars. At the end in front of her she saw -lights and reached a doorway, where an orderly opened the door of -the machine and saluted her companion. Their arrival, it seemed, was -expected. Captain Jackson took her by the arm and led her indoors, for -her courage or her nerves seemed to be failing her again, down a quiet -hall into a room where an officer with a gray mustache sat before a -lighted lamp at a table covered with papers. She recognized him at once -from the many portraits that had appeared in the weekly papers. He -spoke to her and she tried to reply, but she could not. She seemed only -to have strength enough to thrust the papers forward into his hand, -when her knees gave way under her and she sank in a heap upon the floor. - -Gentle hands lifted her and laid her upon a couch in the corner of the -room. She tried to get up, but could not. She heard the voices of the -officers in the room as from a great distance, and then a woman came -and two men carried her upstairs and put her to bed. She realized that -she was talking incoherently of Cyril, of the Yellow Dove. They gave -her something to drink and her nerves grew mysteriously quiet. She -seemed to be sailing smoothly through the air--higher, higher--Cyril’s -fingers were pointing upward. She was tipping the wheel toward -her--ever toward her, and they rose higher. They had reached the region -of continuous and perfect day. Cyril turned his head and looked at her, -and then he smiled. - - * * * * * - -It was broad daylight when she awoke, for the sunshine was streaming in -at the window. A woman sat near her, knitting. She was an old woman of -many wrinkles, kindly wrinkles which seemed to vie with one another to -express placidity. As Doris rose in her bed the old woman rose, too, -and came forward briskly, speaking in French. - -“Ah, Mademoiselle is awake. _Bon._ She is feeling better?” - -“Yes, better--but a little tired.” And then, as she realized where she -was, “Could you tell me----? General French--could I see him?” - -“All is well, mademoiselle. Monsieur le General--he is not here now. -But he will be back after a while. He will see you, then, but first -it is proper that you have breakfast and a bath. Mademoiselle needs a -bath--I think.” - -Doris glanced at her hand, which lay upon the white coverlid. It was -black. “Yes, I will bathe. But first will you tell me----?” - -The old woman smiled as she interrupted, “I was to tell you that -Monsieur yonder is better. That is what Mademoiselle wished to know, is -it not?” - -Doris sank back upon her pillow in a silence which gave the full -measure of her joy. Cyril would recover. She had been sure of it. She -had told them last night. God was good. - -The news gave her strength, and the coffee and eggs that were brought -revived her rapidly. Her nerves still trembled in memory of what they -had passed through, but when she was bathed and dressed in clean linen -garments, much too large for her, a surgeon brought her medicine, and -what was better than medicine, news that Cyril was conscious and was -asking for her. - -But they would not let her go to him. Tomorrow perhaps. Meanwhile the -doctor would be glad to take a message. Doris colored gently. The -message that she would have liked to send was not to be transmitted by -this means. - -“Tell him,” she said at last quietly, “that I am well--and that I will -see him when I have permission to do so.” - -The officer smiled, gave some directions to the old woman and went out. - -It was not until late in the afternoon, when dressed in her own -garments, which had been carefully cleansed and brushed by her nurse, -that she was admitted to the office of the Field Marshal. She was shown -into his room and he greeted her with unmistakable cordiality, offering -her the chair next his own and congratulating her warmly upon the -success of her achievement and Cyril’s. - -“You know,” he asked quietly, “the contents of these documents?” - -“Yes. Their importance made it necessary that I should.” - -“Then of course you realize the necessity for the utmost secrecy?” - -“I do.” - -The General smiled at her and brought forward a copy of a recent issue -of the London _Times_. - -“Did you know that for the past three days England has actually stopped -criticizing me to talk about you?” - -“About _me_?” she asked. - -“Yes, read,” he said smiling, and she took the paper from him, skimming -the headings of a news item he pointed out to her: - - MISS MATHER STILL MISSING. - - MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE STILL UNACCOUNTED - FOR. - - LADY HEATHCOTE TELLS STRANGE STORY. - - JOHN RIZZIO, THE FAMOUS COLLECTOR, A GERMAN - SPY. - -And then in the news item below: - - Allison Mather, of Ashwater Park, believing that his daughter - is still alive, today offered a reward of five thousand pounds - to anyone---- - -She stopped reading and put the paper down. - -“Poor Daddy!” she whispered. “O Sir John, will you let him know----?” - -“I have already done so, child. He knows that you are safe.” And then -with a laugh, “The five thousand pounds--I think are mine. I need a new -hospital corps.” - -“Oh, he’ll give it, I’m sure.” - -“You promise?” - -“Yes.” - -He took her hand and rose in the act of dismissal. “We have supper at -six. I hope you will be able to join us.” - -“But, General----” She paused at the door. - -He smiled at her softly. - -“If all goes well--you shall see him tomorrow.” - -She colored prettily. Everyone seemed to know, but she didn’t care. The -world, in spite of its terrors, was a garden of roses to Doris. - - * * * * * - -She did not see Cyril the next day or the one following. His -temperature had risen, and while the danger of a relapse was not -acute, they thought it safer that she be kept away. She had worried, -fearing the worst, but the frankness of the head surgeon reassured her. -The bullet had drilled through him, just scraping the lung. He would -recover. But why take a chance of complication when all was going well? -There was no reply to that, so Doris waited at headquarters, thankful -and trying to be patient, sending two penciled scrawls which were -delivered to the wounded man. - -It was not until three days later that she received word that she would -be permitted to see him. His cot had been carried into a small room -at the front of the building, and she entered it timidly, the nurse, -with a smile and a glance at her watch, both of which were eloquent, -withdrawing. He was propped up on pillows, and though pale from the -loss of blood, greeted her with his old careless smile. She sank into -the chair by the side of the bed and caught his hand to her lips. - -“O Cyril,” she murmured. “Cyril, I’m so glad. But I knew you wouldn’t -die--you couldn’t after getting safely through everything else.” - -“Die! Well, hardly. I’m right as rain. Jolly close shootin’ that of -Rizzio’s, though. Pity he had to go--that way.” - -She hid her face in her hands. - -“Don’t! Let’s forget him.” And then, “Have you suffered much?” - -“No. The bally thing burns a bit now and then--but the worst of it is, -they won’t let a chap smoke.” - -She laughed and he caught her hand closer. - -“How did you do it, Doris? How did you?” he questioned. - -“I had to, Cyril,” she said. “It wasn’t anything--except knowing where -to come down. That bothered me. I guessed at Ypres. The rest was luck.” - -“More than luck, old girl. Just courage and intelligence. I felt myself -failin’, up there, but I saw you knew your way about and then I--I -seemed to go to sleep. Silly of me, wasn’t it?” - -“Silly! You fainted, Cyril.” - -“Rotten time to faint.” - -“You might have died up there. Once I thought you had died. Oh, that -dreadful moment! I wanted to go, too--with you. I was a little mad, I -think. I wanted to take you in my arms and go with you--down--down. My -hands even left the wheel. The Yellow Dove toppled--but I caught her.” - -“Poor child!” - -“After that I seemed to grow all cold with reason and skill. I -forgot you. I looked beyond, over your poor head. I had to succeed, -Cyril--that was all.” - -His hand pressed hers tenderly. - -“You’re the only girl in the world who could do it. I’m glad--proud----” -He broke off. “My word, Doris! There’s no use tryin’ to tell you what I -think of you. I’m no good at that sort of thing.” - -“I understand. You’re just--yourself. That’s enough for me.” - -“You were a trump up there in the Thorwald--to stay with poor old Udo, -but I had to go. It was the only way. I never thought we’d make it.” - -“But we did.” - -“_You_ did. It was the Dove, Doris--the good old Dove. Isn’t she a -ripper?” - -“I never had a fear--once she rose. How did you happen----” - -He laughed. - -“It was to be a surprise. I’d been workin’ on her for a year--tryin’ -her out on the moors. Nobody knew--until the war came--and then I told -Udo, who told von Stromberg. I tried a flight to Windenberg and made -it comfortably. Awf’ly easy thing. I stayed at Windenberg in October, -flyin’ over the English lines, droppin’ bombs.” - -“That was where you were----!” - -“But I never hit anythin’. Wouldn’t do, you know. Then when I came back -I told the War Office. They sent me for the papers. You know the rest.” - -“O Cyril, I’m so glad it’s all over. You’ll go to England now and rest.” - -“For a while.” And then, “Will you marry me, Doris? Soon?” - -“Yes,” she said softly. “Whenever you want me.” - -“Here? Now?” - -“But, Cyril----” - -“There’s a parson chap about here somewhere. I saw him browsin’ in here -the other day.” - -“Isn’t it a little----” - -“Say you will, there’s a dear.” - -“Yes, if you wish it. But----” - -“What?” - -“Clothes.” - -“Nonsense. You’re jolly handsome in those togs--handsome no end,” he -repeated. “Marry me tomorrow, Doris. There’s a dear.” - -She leaned her face down upon his hand. - -“We’re already married, Cyril. Up there I felt it. Even death couldn’t -have separated us.” - -“Thank God! Kiss me, Doris.” She obeyed. - -“I’ll see Jackson,” he whispered. “He’ll manage it. Resourceful chap, -Jackson. He’ll get us a chaplain like pullin’ a rabbit out of a hat.” - -She laughed. - -“I don’t suppose I’d ever have known you, Cyril, over there in England. -You always did wonderful things carelessly, Cyril.” - -“But not this wonderful thing----” and he kissed her. - -“It is a wonderful thing,” she whispered. “So wonderful that I wonder -if it can be true.” - -“I’ll prove it to you----” - -But she had straightened and kissed his hand. - -“No more now--I mustn’t stay. I hear them in the hall.” - -“Tomorrow?” he asked. - -“Yes.” - -“Jackson?” - -“Yes.” - -The nurse knocked discreetly and entered. “Five minutes. I’m sorry.” - -“So am I,” said Hammersley, with a sigh. - - * * * * * - -Three weeks later they stood side by side at the rail of the Channel -boat on the way to Ashwater Park for the parental blessing. The shores -of France were already purple in the distance. They had looked upon -Death with eyes that did not fear, but the sight of it together had -made the bond of their fealty and tenderness the stronger. There was a -sadness in his look and she knew instinctively of what he was thinking. - -“Germany, Cyril,” she said aloud. “I love it because a part of it is -you. But I love England more, because it _is_ you.” - -Hammersley watched the receding shores beyond the vessel’s wake, her -hand in his. - -“They’re followin’ false gods, Doris. Gods of steel and brass----!” - -“They _must_ fall, Cyril.” - -“They will.” And then, “But you can’t help admirin’ the beggars! Poor -old Udo!” - -“I think about him, Cyril. Do you think he got away?” - -“Well, rather! I cut his bonds with a huntin’ knife before we went -down.” - -She looked up into his face in amazement. “You dared do that?” He -laughed. - -“You wouldn’t have let him be more generous than me.” - -“And he let us go?” - -“He didn’t think we _could_ go. He left things to Destiny.” - -“Good old Udo!” she repeated. And then dreamily, “Destiny! You were not -meant to die, Cyril.” - -“Not yet.” He said slowly: “But I must go back--over there, Doris.” - -She shivered a little and drew closer to him. - -“Yes, I know,” she said. “But you’ve earned----” - -“I couldn’t ever earn what I’ve got,” he broke in quickly. - -“Nor I----” - -“I’m not much of a chap at pretty speeches and all that sort of thing, -but you’re a rare one, you know, the rummiest sort of a rare one--the -kind a chap dreams about but never gets--and yet I’ve got you-- Oh, -hang it all, Doris,” he broke off helplessly. “You know----” - -She smiled at him and slipped her arm through his. - -“Yes, I know,” she said. - -“Good old Doris,” he muttered. “Silly ass, aren’t I?” - -But she wouldn’t admit that. - - - - - FOUR TIMELY BOOKS OF - INTERNATIONAL IMPORTANCE - - -I ACCUSE (_J’ACCUSE!_) By a German. A Scathing Arraignment of the -German War Policy. - -At this vital time in the nation’s history every patriotic American -should read and reread this wonderful book and learn the absurdity of -the German excuse that they wanted a “Place in the Sun.” - -Learn how the German masses were deluded with the idea that they were -making a defensive war to protect the Fatherland. - -Let the author of this illuminating book again show the sacrilege of -claiming a Christian God as a Teutonic ally and riddle once more the -divine right of kings. - - -PAN-GERMANISM. By Roland G. Usher. - -The clear, graphic style gives it a popular appeal that sets it miles -apart from the ordinary treatise, and for the reader who wishes to -get a rapid focus on the world events of the present, perhaps no book -written will be more interesting. - -It is the only existing forecast of exactly the present development of -events in Europe. It is, besides, a brisk, clear, almost primer-like -reduction of the complex history of Europe during the last forty years -to a simple, connected story clear enough to the most casual reader. - - -THE CHALLENGE OF THE FUTURE. By Roland G. Usher. - -A glance into America’s future by the man who, in his book PAN-GERMANISM, -foretold with such amazing accuracy the coming of the present European -events. An exceedingly live and timely book that is bound to be read and -discussed widely because it strikes to the heart of American problems, -and more especially because it hits right and left at ideas that have -become deep-seated convictions in many American minds. - - -THE EVIDENCE IN THE CASE. By James M. Beck, LL.D., Formerly Assistant -Attorney-General of the United States, Author of the “War and -Humanity.” With an Introduction by the Hon. Joseph H. Choate, Late U. -S. Ambassador to Great Britain. - -No work on the War has made a deeper impression throughout the world -than “The Evidence in the Case,” a calm, dispassionate, but forceful -discussion of the moral responsibility for the present war as disclosed -by the diplomatic papers. Arnold Bennett says that it “is certainly by -far _the most convincing indictment of Germany_ in existence.” - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - -JACK LONDON’S NOVELS - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap’s list. - - -JOHN BARLEYCORN. - -Illustrated by H. T. Dunn. - -This remarkable book is a record of the author’s own amazing -experiences. This big, brawny world rover, who has been acquainted -with alcohol from boyhood, comes out boldly against John Barleycorn. -It is a string of exciting adventures, yet it forcefully conveys an -unforgetable idea and makes a typical Jack London book. - - -THE VALLEY OF THE MOON. - -Frontispiece by George Harper. - -The story opens in the city slums where Billy Roberts, teamster and -ex-prize fighter, and Saxon Brown, laundry worker, meet and love and -marry. They tramp from one end of California to the other, and in the -Valley of the Moon find the farm paradise that is to be their salvation. - - -BURNING DAYLIGHT. - -Four illustrations. - -The story of an adventurer who went to Alaska and laid the foundations -of his fortune before the gold hunters arrived. Bringing his fortunes -to the States he is cheated out of it by a crowd of money kings, and -recovers it only at the muzzle of his gun. He then starts out as a -merciless exploiter on his own account. Finally he takes to drinking -and becomes a picture of degeneration. About this time he falls in love -with his stenographer and wins her heart but not her hand and then--but -read the story! - - -A SON OF THE SUN. - -Illustrated by A. O. Fischer and C. W. Ashley. - -David Grief was once a light-haired, blue-eyed youth who came from -England to the South Seas in search of adventure. Tanned like a native -and as lithe as a tiger, he became a real son of the sun. The life -appealed to him and he remained and became very wealthy. - - -THE CALL OF THE WILD. - -Illustrations by Philip R. Goodwin and Charles Livingston Bull. - -Decorations by Charles E. Hooper. - -A book of dog adventures as exciting as any man’s exploits could be. -Here is excitement to stir the blood and here is picturesque color to -transport the reader to primitive scenes. - - -THE SEA WOLF. - -Illustrated by W. J. Aylward. - -Told by a man whom Fate suddenly swings from his fastidious life into -the power of the brutal captain of a sealing schooner. A novel of -adventure warmed by a beautiful love episode that every reader will -hail with delight. - - -WHITE FANG. - -Illustrated by Charles Livingston Bull. - -“White Fang” is part dog, part wolf and all brute, living in the frozen -north; he gradually comes under the spell of man’s companionship, and -surrenders all at the last in a fight with a bull dog. Thereafter he is -man’s loving slave. - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - - NOVELS OF FRONTIER LIFE BY - WILLIAM MacLEOD RAINE - -HANDSOMELY BOUND IN CLOTH. ILLUSTRATED. - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset and Dunlap’s list. - - -MAVERICKS. - -A tale of the western frontier, where the “rustler,” whose depredations -are so keenly resented by the early settlers of the range, abounds. One -of the sweetest love stories ever told. - - -A TEXAS RANGER. - -How a member of the most dauntless border police force carried law -into the mesquit, saved the life of an innocent man after a series of -thrilling adventures, followed a fugitive to Wyoming, and then passed -through deadly peril to ultimate happiness. - - -WYOMING. - -In this vivid story of the outdoor West the author has captured the -breezy charm of “cattleland,” and brings out the turbid life of the -frontier with all its engaging dash and vigor. - - -RIDGWAY OF MONTANA. - -The scene is laid in the mining centers of Montana, where politics -and mining industries are the religion of the country. The political -contest, the love scene, and the fine character drawing give this story -great strength and charm. - - -BUCKY O’CONNOR. - -Every chapter teems with wholesome, stirring adventures, replete with -the dashing spirit of the border, told with dramatic dash and absorbing -fascination of style and plot. - - -CROOKED TRAILS AND STRAIGHT. - -A story of Arizona; of swift-riding men and daring outlaws; of a -bitter feud between cattle-men and sheep-herders. The heroine is a -most unusual woman and her love story reaches a culmination that is -fittingly characteristic of the great free West. - - -BRAND BLOTTERS. - -A story of the Cattle Range. This story brings out the turbid life of -the frontier, with all its engaging dash and vigor, with a charming -love interest running through its 320 pages. - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - -ZANE GREY’S NOVELS - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap’s list. - - -THE LIGHT OF WESTERN STARS - -Colored frontispiece by W. Herbert Dunton. - -Most of the action of this story takes place near the turbulent Mexican -border of the present day. A New York society girl buys a ranch which -becomes the center of frontier warfare. Her loyal cowboys defend her -property from bandits, and her superintendent rescues her when she is -captured by them. A surprising climax brings the story to a delightful -close. - - -DESERT GOLD - -Illustrated by Douglas Duer. - -Another fascinating story of the Mexican border. Two men, lost in -the desert, discover gold when, overcome by weakness, they can go no -farther. The rest of the story describes the recent uprising along the -border, and ends with the finding of the gold which the two prospectors -had willed to the girl who is the story’s heroine. - - -RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE - -Illustrated by Douglas Duer. - -A picturesque romance of Utah of some forty years ago when Mormon -authority ruled. In the persecution of Jane Withersteen, a rich ranch -owner, we are permitted to see the methods employed by the invisible -hand of the Mormon Church to break her will. - - -THE LAST OF THE PLAINSMEN - -Illustrated with photograph reproductions. - -This is the record of a trip which the author took with Buffalo Jones, -known as the preserver of the American bison, across the Arizona desert -and of a hunt in “that wonderful country of yellow crags, deep cañons -and giant pines.” It is a fascinating story. - - -THE HERITAGE OF THE DESERT - -Jacket in color. Frontispiece. - -This big human drama is played in the Painted Desert. A lovely -girl, who has been reared among Mormons, learns to love a young New -Englander. The Mormon religion, however, demands that the girl shall -become the second wife of one of the Mormons-- - -Well, that’s the problem of this sensational, big selling story. - - -BETTY ZANE - -Illustrated by Louis F. Grant. - -This story tells of the bravery and heroism of Betty, the beautiful -young sister of old Colonel Zane, one of the bravest pioneers. Life -along the frontier, attacks by Indians, Betty’s heroic defense of the -beleaguered garrison at Wheeling, the burning of the Fort, and Betty’s -final race for life, make up this never-to-be-forgotten story. - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - -STORIES OF RARE CHARM BY - -GENE STRATTON-PORTER - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset and Dunlap’s list. - - -[Illustration] - -LADDIE. - -Illustrated by Herman Pfeifer. - -This is a bright, cheery tale with the scenes laid in Indiana. The -story is told by Little Sister, the youngest member of a large family, -but it is concerned not so much with childish doings as with the love -affairs of older members of the family. Chief among them is that of -Laddie, the older brother whom Little Sister adores, and the Princess, -an English girl who has come to live in the neighborhood and about -whose family there hangs a mystery. There is a wedding midway in the -book and a double wedding at the close. - - -THE HARVESTER. - -Illustrated by W. L. Jacobs. - -“The Harvester,” David Langston, is a man of the woods and fields, who -draws his living from the prodigal hand of Mother Nature herself. If -the book had nothing in it but the splendid figure of this man it would -be notable. But when the Girl comes to his “Medicine Woods,” and the -Harvester’s whole being realizes that this is the highest point of life -which has come to him--there begins a romance of the rarest idyllic -quality. - - -FRECKLES. - -Decorations by E. Stetson Crawford. - -Freckles is a nameless waif when the tale opens, but the way in which -he takes hold of life; the nature friendships he forms in the great -Limberlost Swamp; the manner in which everyone who meets him succumbs -to the charm of his engaging personality; and his love-story with “The -Angel” are full of real sentiment. - - -A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST. - -Illustrated by Wladyslaw T. Brenda. - -The story of a girl of the Michigan woods; a buoyant, lovable type of -the self-reliant American. Her philosophy is one of love and kindness -towards all things; her hope is never dimmed. And by the sheer beauty -of her soul, and the purity of her vision, she wins from barren and -unpromising surroundings those rewards of high courage. - - -AT THE FOOT OF THE RAINBOW. - -Illustrations in colors by Oliver Kemp. - -The scene of this charming love story is laid in Central Indiana. The -story is one of devoted friendship, and tender self-sacrificing love. -The novel is brimful of the most beautiful word painting of nature, and -its pathos and tender sentiment will endear it to all. - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK - - - - - JOHN FOX, JR’S. - STORIES OF THE KENTUCKY MOUNTAINS - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset and Dunlap’s list. - - -THE TRAIL OF THE LONESOME PINE. - -Illustrated by F. C. Yohn. - -[Illustration] - -The “lonesome pine” from which the story takes its name was a tall tree -that stood in solitary splendor on a mountain top. The fame of the pine -lured a young engineer through Kentucky to catch the trail, and when -he finally climbed to its shelter he found not only the pine but the -_foot-prints of a girl_. And the girl proved to be lovely, piquant, and -the trail of these girlish foot-prints led the young engineer a madder -chase than “the trail of the lonesome pine.” - - -THE LITTLE SHEPHERD OF KINGDOM COME. - -Illustrated by F. C. Yohn. - -This is a story of Kentucky, in a settlement known as “Kingdom Come.” -It is a life rude, semi-barbarous; but natural and honest, from which -often springs the flower of civilization. - -“Chad.” the “little shepherd” did not know who he was nor whence he -came--he had just wandered from door to door since early childhood, -seeking shelter with kindly mountaineers who gladly fathered and -mothered this waif about whom there was such a mystery--a charming -waif, by the way, who could play the banjo better that anyone else in -the mountains. - - -A KNIGHT OF THE CUMBERLAND. - -Illustrated by F. C. Yohn. - -The scenes are laid along the waters of the Cumberland, the lair of -moonshiner and feudsman. The knight is a moonshiner’s son, and the -heroine a beautiful girl perversely christened “The Blight.” Two -impetuous young Southerners fall under the spell of “The Blight’s” -charms and she learns what a large part jealousy and pistols have in -the love making of the mountaineers. - -Included in this volume is “Hell fer-Sartain” and other stories, some -of Mr. Fox’s most entertaining Cumberland valley narratives. - - -_Ask for a complete free list of G. & D. Popular Copyrighted Fiction._ - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, 526 WEST 26th ST., NEW YORK - - - - -CHARMING BOOKS FOR GIRLS - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap’s list. - - -WHEN PATTY WENT TO COLLEGE, By Jean Webster. - -Illustrated by C. D. Williams. - -One of the best stories of life in a girl’s college that has ever been -written. It is bright, whimsical and entertaining, lifelike, laughable -and thoroughly human. - - -JUST PATTY, By Jean Webster. - -Illustrated by C. M. Relyea. - -Patty is full of the joy of living, fun-loving, given to ingenious -mischief for its own sake, with a disregard for pretty convention which -is an unfailing source of joy to her fellows. - - -THE POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL, By Eleanor Gates. - -With four full page illustrations. - -This story relates the experience of one of those unfortunate children -whose early days are passed in the companionship of a governess, seldom -seeing either parent, and famishing for natural love and tenderness. A -charming play as dramatized by the author. - - -REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM, By Kate Douglas Wiggin. - -One of the most beautiful studies of childhood--Rebecca’s artistic, -unusual and quaintly charming qualities stand out midst a circle of -austere New Englanders. The stage version is making a phenomenal -dramatic record. - - -NEW CHRONICLES OF REBECCA, By Kate Douglas Wiggin. - -Illustrated by F. C. Yohn. - -Additional episodes in the girlhood of this delightful heroine that -carry Rebecca through various stages to her eighteenth birthday. - - -REBECCA MARY, By Annie Hamilton Donnell. - -Illustrated by Elizabeth Shippen Green. - -This author possesses the rare gift of portraying all the grotesque -little joys and sorrows and scruples of this very small girl with a -pathos that is peculiarly genuine and appealing. - - -EMMY LOU: Her Book and Heart, By George Madden Martin. - -Illustrated by Charles Louis Hinton. - -Emmy Lou is irresistibly lovable, because she is so absolutely real. -She is just a bewitchingly innocent, huggable little maid. The book is -wonderfully human. - - -_Ask for a complete free list of G. & D. Popular Copyrighted Fiction._ - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, 526 WEST 26th ST., NEW YORK - - - - -MYRTLE REED’S NOVELS - -May be had wherever books are sold. Ask for Grosset & Dunlap’s list - - -[Illustration] - -LAVENDER AND OLD LACE. - -A charming story of a quaint corner of New England where bygone romance -finds a modern parallel. The story centers round the coming of love -to the young people on the staff of a newspaper--and it is one of the -prettiest, sweetest and quaintest of old fashioned love stories, * * * a -rare book, exquisite in spirit and conception, full of delicate fancy, -of tenderness, of delightful humor and spontaneity. - - -A SPINNER IN THE SUN. - -Miss Myrtle Reed may always be depended upon to write a story in -which poetry, charm, tenderness and humor are combined into a clever -and entertaining book. Her characters are delightful and she always -displays a quaint humor of expression and a quiet feeling of pathos -which give a touch of active realism to all her writings. In “A Spinner -in the Sun” she tells an old-fashioned love story, of a veiled lady who -lives in solitude and whose features her neighbors have never seen. -There is a mystery at the heart of the book that throws over it the -glamour of romance. - - -THE MASTER’S VIOLIN. - -A love story in a musical atmosphere. A picturesque, old German -virtuoso is the reverent possessor of a genuine “Cremona.” He consents -to take for his pupil a handsome youth who proves to have an aptitude -for technique, but not the soul of an artist. The youth has led the -happy, careless life of a modern, well-to-do young American and he -cannot, with his meagre past, express the love, the passion and the -tragedies of life and all its happy phases as can the master who has -lived life in all its fulness. But a girl comes into his life--a -beautiful bit of human driftwood that his aunt had taken into her -heart and home, and through his passionate love for her, he learns the -lessons that life has to give--and his soul awakes. - -Founded on a fact that all artists realize. - - -_Ask for a complete free list of G. & D. Popular Copyrighted Fiction._ - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, 526 WEST 26th ST., NEW YORK - - - - -B. M. Bower’s Novels - -Thrilling Western Romances - -Large 12 mos. Handsomely bound in cloth. Illustrated - - -CHIP, OF THE FLYING U - -A breezy wholesome tale, wherein the love affairs of Chip and Della -Whitman are charmingly and humorously told. Chip’s jealousy of Dr. -Cecil Grantham, who turns out to be a big, blue eyed young woman is -very amusing. A clever, realistic story of the American Cow-puncher. - - -THE HAPPY FAMILY - -A lively and amusing story, dealing with the adventures of eighteen -jovial, big hearted Montana cowboys. Foremost amongst them, we find -Ananias Green, known as Andy, whose imaginative powers cause many -lively and exciting adventures. - - -HER PRAIRIE KNIGHT - -A realistic story of the plains, describing a gay party of Easterners -who exchange a cottage at Newport for the rough homeliness of a Montana -ranch-house. The merry-hearted cowboys, the fascinating Beatrice, and -the effusive Sir Redmond, become living, breathing personalities. - - -THE RANGE DWELLERS - -Here are everyday, genuine cowboys, just as they really exist. Spirited -action, a range feud between two families, and a Romeo and Juliet -courtship make this a bright, jolly, entertaining story, without a dull -page. - - -THE LURE OF DIM TRAILS - -A vivid portrayal of the experience of an Eastern author, among the -cowboys of the West, in search of “local color” for a new novel. “Bud” -Thurston learns many a lesson while following “the lure of the dim -trails” but the hardest, and probably the most welcome, is that of love. - - -THE LONESOME TRAIL - -“Weary” Davidson leaves the ranch for Portland, where conventional -city life palls on him. A little branch of sage brush, pungent with -the atmosphere of the prairie, and the recollection of a pair of large -brown eyes soon compel his return. A wholesome love story. - - -THE LONG SHADOW - -A vigorous Western story, sparkling with the free, outdoor, life of a -mountain ranch. Its scenes shift rapidly and its actors play the game -of life fearlessly and like men. It is a fine love story from start to -finish. - - -Ask for a complete free list of G. & D. Popular Copyrighted Fiction. - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, 526 WEST 26TH ST., NEW YORK - - - - -THE NOVELS OF - -STEWART EDWARD WHITE - - -THE RULES OF THE GAME. - -Illustrated by Lajaren A. Hiller. - -The romance of the son of “The Riverman.” The young college hero goes -into the lumber camp, is antagonized by “graft” and comes into the -romance of his life. - - -ARIZONA NIGHTS. - -Illus. and cover inlay by N. C. Wyeth. - -A series of spirited tales emphasizing some phases of the life of the -ranch, plains and desert. A masterpiece. - - -THE BLAZED TRAIL. - -With illustrations by Thomas Fogarty. - -A wholesome story with gleams of humor, telling of a young man who -blazed his way to fortune through the heart of the Michigan pines. - - -THE CLAIM JUMPERS. A Romance. - -The tenderfoot manager of a mine in a lonesome gulch of the Black Hills -has a hard time of it, but “wins out” in more ways than one. - - -CONJUROR’S HOUSE. - -Illustrated Theatrical Edition. - -Dramatized under the title of “The Call of the North.” - -“Conjuror’s House” is a Hudson Bay trading post where the head factor -is the absolute lord. A young fellow risked his life and won a bride on -this forbidden land. - - -THE MAGIC FOREST. A Modern Fairy Tale. - -Illustrated. - -The sympathetic way in which the children of the wild and their life -is treated could only belong to one who is in love with the forest and -open air. Based on fact. - - -THE RIVERMAN. - -Illus. by N. C. Wyeth and C. Underwood. - -The story of a man’s fight against a river and of a struggle between -honesty and grit on the one side, and dishonesty and shrewdness on the -other. - - -THE SILENT PLACES. - -Illustrations by Philip R. Goodwin. - -The wonders of the northern forests, the heights of feminine devotion -and masculine power, the intelligence of the Caucasian and the instinct -of the Indian, are all finely drawn in this story. - - -THE WESTERNERS. - -A story of the Black Hills that is justly placed among the best -American novels. It portrays the life of the new West as no other book -has done in recent years. - - -THE MYSTERY. - -In collaboration with Samuel Hopkins Adams. - -With illustrations by Will Crawford. - -The disappearance of three successive crews from the stout ship -“Laughing Lass” in mid-Pacific, is a mystery weird and inscrutable. In -the solution, there is a story of the most exciting voyage that man -ever undertook. - - -GROSSET & DUNLAP, 526 WEST 26th ST., NEW YORK - - - - - * * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber’s note: - - --Except for the frontispiece, illustrations have been moved to - follow the text that they illustrate, so the page number of the - illustration may not match the page number in the List of - Illustrations. - - --Punctuation and spelling inaccuracies were silently corrected. - - --Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved. - - --Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved. - - --The author’s em-dash and long dash styles have been retained. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YELLOW DOVE*** - - -******* This file should be named 55077-0.txt or 55077-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/5/0/7/55077 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - |