“Take Hauptmann von Forstner’s body to the house, of course,” Ruth directed. “Who is at the house?” she inquired. “Besides the servants, this morning only Herr Adler.” “Who is Herr Adler?” “Why, he is Hauptmann von Forstner’s secretary.” “Then why did he not himself come at once?” “Word arrived that Herr Hauptmann was dead,” Dittman explained. “Herr Adler did not think that you would require him here, _gnädiges Fräulein_. Since Herr Hauptmann was dead it was more necessary than ever for Herr Adler to remain at the house. Oberst-Lieutenant von Fallenbosch communicates by telephone at this time in the morning; immediately he must be informed.” “Of course,” Ruth said. She was aware that Dittman was observing her more and more curiously, not so much because of her questions and of her ignorance of the household affairs of Captain von Forstner, she thought, as because of her accent. Dittman apparently was not surprised that the lady companion of his master did not know about Adler; and even the fact that she spoke German with an undisguisable foreign accent did not stir suspicion, but only curiosity. Ruth apparently had taken the right tone with this puffing underling by offering no explanations whatever about herself and by demanding them of others. “You are wet, _gnädiges Fräulein_,” he reminded her solicitously. “I brought the motor car for you. If you will proceed I shall see to all things for Herr Hauptmann.” “Hauptmann von Forstner carried upon himself certain papers for which I now must be responsible,” Ruth returned to Dittman. “Ah, yes; of course, _gnädiges Fräulein_.” “You may obtain them for me.” Dittman knelt again, obediently, and carefully and methodically went through von Forstner’s pockets. A few minutes before, when Ruth had been alone but for the Russian slaves, she had realized that she ought to obtain the papers in those pockets, but her revulsion at making the search had halted her. Now that proved altogether fortunate. Her fate here hung upon little things; and one of those trifles which supported her, undoubtedly, was that she had waited for this Dittman before allowing disturbance of any of von Forstner’s effects. Dittman gathered together everything from the pockets--money, keys, penknife, cigarette case, revolver, and memorandum book, besides two thick packets of folded papers; and he offered all to Ruth, who accepted only the packets and the memorandum book. Dittman assisted her to climb the slope to the waiting car. “My bags, Dittman,” Ruth said to her escort when she was seated. They had been held fairly well away from the water by the position of the wrecked car; and there was more than a chance that the leather had kept dry some of the clothing within. Ruth did not know what lay before her but she could meet it better in fresh garments. Dittman ordered one of the Russians to bring up her bags and place them in the car.