“I cannot say,” he replied. “I have admitted that he has puzzled me. I can only think of one thing. Hammersley is a type of man who under the guise of inefficiency does all things well. He is a sportsman. He would do such a thing for the love of adventure, because the danger, the excitement, appealed to him--because it was the ‘sporting thing.’” “A reason, Rizzio,” muttered von Stromberg, “but not the real reason.” Rizzio started and a smile broke at the corners of his lips. “Oh! You realize, then, that there is something else--something----?” He paused. “I realize nothing,” growled the General. “Realization, Rizzio, is the one banality of existence! Uncertainty is the only thing worth while. When one is certain of anything it ceases to be interesting. That is why Herr Hammersley, whom you call a fool in one breath and a genius in the next, excites my profound attention. Come, I think you will agree with me that he is worth it.” “I do not like Hammersley, Excellenz.” “_Natürlich!_ But that need not prevent your interest in him, even though your interest is largely in his death.” The phrase was significant, delivered significantly, and in spite of himself Rizzio felt the gaze of the General piercing his veneer. “I could feel no happiness in such a misfortune,” he said gravely, “notwithstanding my dislike of him.” A knock at the door interrupted further conversation and, at a command from the General, Hammersley entered. CHAPTER XV THE INQUISITION If General von Stromberg had counted upon playing a trump card in producing Rizzio at this interview, Herr Hammersley’s demeanor must have disappointed him. For he entered the room with cheerful composure, noted Rizzio, stared at him in sudden seriousness, and then turned to von Stromberg with the air of a man briskly intent. “You wanted to see me, Excellenz?” he asked quietly. He had evinced a mild surprise at Rizzio’s presence, but no discomposure. If anything, his manner now had a kind of sober eagerness as at the imminence of an issue in which a necessary if painful duty must be performed. General von Stromberg from his armchair regarded him through a cloud of tobacco smoke. “Yes, Herr Hammersley,” said von Stromberg. “As you will observe, Herr Rizzio has just arrived from England. He followed you almost immediately upon his yacht. It is most fortunate that he is here, for there are several matters which we can discuss in privacy together.” “I am at your service, Excellenz,” said Hammersley. “If there are any facts which I can add to my report I shall be glad.” His idiom was Hanoverian. Rizzio, quite cool, faced him, upright, with folded arms.