The Great ImpersonationOppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)
General
The Great Impersonation
Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)
Spy stories
“This,” Seaman replied, “is where genius steps in. Russia has been ripe
for a revolution any time for the last fifteen years. We have secret
agents now in every city and country place and throughout the army. We
shall teach Russia how to make herself a free country.”
Dominey shivered a little with an almost involuntary repulsion. For the
second time that almost satyr-like grin on Seaman's face revolted him.
“And what of my own work?”
Seaman helped himself to a liqueur. He was, as a rule, a moderate man,
but this was the third time he had replenished his glass since his hasty
meal.
“My brain is weary, friend,” he admitted, passing his hand over his
forehead. “I have a great fatigue. The thoughts jump about. This last
week has been one of fierce excitements. Everything, almost your
daily life, has been planned. We shall go over it within a day or so.
Meanwhile, remember this. It is our great aim to keep England out of the
war.”
“Terniloff is right, then, after all!” Dominey exclaimed.
Seaman laughed scornfully.
“If we want England out of the war,” he pointed out, “it is not that we
desire her friendship. It is that we may crush her the more easily
when Calais, Boulogne and Havre are in our hands. That will be in three
months' time. Then perhaps our attitude towards England may change a
little! Now I go.”
Dominey folded up the map with reluctance. His companion shook his head.
It was curious that he, too, for the first time in his life upon the
same day, addressed his host differently.
“Baron Von Ragastein,” he said, “there are six of those maps in
existence. That one is for you. Lock it away and guard it as though it
were your greatest treasure on earth, but when you are alone, bring it
out and study it. It shall be your inspiration, it shall lighten your
moments of depression, give you courage when you are in danger; it shall
fill your mind with pride and wonder. It is yours.”
Dominey folded it carefully up, crossed the room, unlocked a little safe
and deposited it therein.
“I shall guard it, according to your behest, as my greatest treasure,”
he assured his departing guest, with a fervour which surprised even
himself.
CHAPTER XXVII
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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