"Well done; it is a wise move." Hartzmann helped himself to a cigar. "What about this Spencer mystery, Baron? As our agent in Mexican affairs he received a small fortune. Does not his death come at a most unfortunate moment?" Von Fincke pursed up his lips. "No. Spencer was a good tool, but sometimes too inquisitive; however, I shall not be sorry if Miss Whitney receives the full penalty for her crime." The two men regarded each other in silence for a brief second, then von Fincke added: "From reports which have reached me, I judge the mine is well laid, and Mexico will yet prove troublesome to her northern neighbor." "And useful to us," mused Hartzmann. "The United States when angry with Germany will make war--on Mexico." "Perhaps," skeptically, "but to me it appears intervention in Mexico will hang fire until ..." "Engineered," Hartzmann smiled meaningly. "Huerta will leave shortly for the Panama-Pacific Exposition, and then ..." Not completing his sentence, he pointed to a paragraph near the bottom of the first page of the _Times_ which lay spread on the table by him. "The Sisters in Unity, I see, is a strictly neutral organization for peace at any price." "The dear ladies!" Mockingly von Fincke's hand rose in salute. "They are the best propagandists in the country, and Senator Foster proves an able advocate of peace--when urged by a woman." "He is a clever speaker," agreed Hartzmann. "Most men in public life have their uses. Have you nothing to report of the pernicious activities of the United States Government?" Without replying von Fincke pressed the button of his electric bell. "Is Heinrich here?" he asked a moment later as his servant entered. "Yes, Baron." "Then show him in." Von Fincke turned back to his guest. "A clever man, Heinrich, and useful. Come in," as a discreet tap sounded on the door; and the chauffeur, carefully closing the door, saluted. "Any news of the Atlantic fleet, Heinrich?" "Its departure for the Panama-Pacific Exposition at San Francisco via the Panama Canal has been indefinitely postponed." "The Department must have awakened to the fact that if sent there the fleet would have to return by rail," growled von Fincke. "There is not enough coal in California at present to supply the fleet--the battleships and cruisers could not escape from attack, but might even be captured at the dock." "Have you learned where the fleet will be sent?" asked Hartzmann, watching the chauffeur narrowly. "It is to go to New York for a grand review, Herr Captain." "Ah, a mobilization?" "No, Herr Captain; I think not. The reserve fleet will be missing." "Will the President review the fleet?" "It is so believed, Herr Captain." Von Fincke, who had been silently eyeing his companions, stood up. "Would that not give us an opportunity to bottle up the fleet in the North River by slipping down one of our biggest ocean steamers and sinking her in the channel?"