THE MAN WITH THE CLUBFOOT BY VALENTINE WILLIAMS AUTHOR OF "THE SECRET HAND," "THE YELLOW STREAK," "THE RETURN OF CLUBFOOT," "THE ORANGE DIVAN," "CLUBFOOT THE AVENGER" 1918 WHAT THIS STORY IS ABOUT "The Man with the Clubfoot" is one of the most ingenious and sinister secret agents in Europe. It is to him that the task is assigned of regaining possession of an indiscreet letter written by the Kaiser. Desmond Okewood, a young British officer with a genius for secret service work, sets out to thwart this man and, incidentally, discover the whereabouts of his brother. He penetrates into Germany disguised, and meets with many thrilling adventures before he finally achieves his mission. In "The Man with the Clubfoot," Valentine Williams has written a thrilling romance of mystery, love and intrigue, that in every sense of the word may be described as "breathless." CHAPTER I. I seek a Bed in Rotterdam II. The Cipher with the Invoice III. A Visitor in the Night IV. Destiny knocks at the Door V. The Lady of the Vos in't Tuintje VI. I board the Berlin Train and leave a Lame Gentleman on the Platform VII. In which a Silver Star acts as a Charm VIII. I hear of Clubfoot and meet his Employer IX. I encounter an old Acquaintance who leads me to a delightful Surprise X. A Glass of Wine with Clubfoot XI. Miss Mary Prendergast risks her Reputation XII. His Excellency the General is worried XIII. I find Achilles in his Tent XIV. Clubfoot comes to Haase's XV. The Waiter at the Café Regina XVI. A Hand-clasp by the Rhine XVII. Francis takes up the Narrative XVIII. I go on with the Story XIX. We have a Reckoning with Clubfoot XX. Charlemagne's Ride XXI. Red Tabs explains The Man with the Clubfoot CHAPTER I I SEEK A BED IN ROTTERDAM The reception clerk looked up from the hotel register and shook his head firmly. "Very sorry, saire," he said, "not a bed in ze house." And he closed the book with a snap. Outside the rain came down heavens hard. Every one who came into the brightly lit hotel vestibule entered with a gush of water. I felt I would rather die than face the wind-swept streets of Rotterdam again. I turned once more to the clerk who was now busy at the key-rack. "Haven't you really a corner? I wouldn't mind where it was, as it is only for the night. Come now..." "Very sorry, saire. We have two gentlemen sleeping in ze bathrooms already. If you had reserved..." And he shrugged his shoulders and bent towards a visitor who was demanding his key.