"Propaganda and singing societies aren't going to win this war for us," said the stranger, flatly. "For one thing, millions of tons of iron ore are coming down these lakes, through the Sault Sainte Marie locks, through the St. Clair ship-canal. That ore makes rifles and cannon and shells for the Allies. It would be a great service to the Emperor to interfere with that traffic, and the surest way is to--er--discontinue the use of the canals. That's one thing. Then Detroit is manufacturing more and more munitions, and motor-trucks, and other things to help the enemy. There's a fine bit of work to be done right here. You can be most useful here. You have influence, and a man in your position will go without suspicion. Do you see?" "I see," said von Essen, gruffly, "but I'm not going to mix into such matters. I want to see the fatherland win. I'm a German. But I haven't any intention of getting stood up against a wall and being shot." "Nonsense! You'll be telling me you have scruples against such a thing next. And you haven't." "I haven't," said von Essen. "I'd like to see every munition-plant in America blown to hell." "Excellent so far.... When this war is over a German is going to be an envied man in this world. Once a man boasted that he was a Roman citizen; after we are through he'll boast that he's a German citizen. Our Emperor knows how to reward service--either with money or with honors." "I don't need the Emperor's money," said von Essen. "But the honors, eh? Suppose you should be recalled to the fatherland and ennobled, eh? Made a count, let us say? You have the wealth to support the position." "Uh!" grunted von Essen. "But to wear honors one must earn them. You have been picked because you are the right man. We do not make mistakes. We need you." "No," said von Essen, stubbornly. "Listen, Herr von Essen," said the stranger, his voice changing its tone from silkiness to something bordering on arrogance. "Last Thursday you rode to the city in your limousine with Mr. Bradley. I can repeat to you every word of your conversation. It was an unimportant conversation, but I know what was said. I can tell you what you had for dinner two weeks ago, and what you will have to-morrow. I can tell you every movement you have made for months." "Well," said von Essen, uneasily. "I have not wasted time on you for nothing. I say we need you--and you are going to do what you are told." "No. Why should I run risks? I'm willing to help in a reasonable way, but this dynamiting business--" "Out of several hundred men serving the Emperor in this country, half a dozen have been caught. There is no risk, and there will be great gain. It is not for you to refuse or accept. You have your orders, Herr von Essen." "You can't give me orders. I'm an American citizen--" "Bosh!... Last week there was an explosion in an armory in a Canadian town not far from here. It did quite a satisfactory bit of damage. I'm sure the Emperor will appreciate it."