“When you escaped into the tree, were you in a position to hear what went on in the road?” “I was.” “The men in the road searched Herr Hammersley?” “They did.” “And at last he escaped?” “Yes.” “Do you remember hearing him shout anything as his motor moved away?” “Yes.” “What was it?” “That they hadn’t searched the machine or words to that effect.” Von Stromberg glanced at Rizzio, who was leaning forward in his chair, eager to speak. “Well, Herr Rizzio?” he asked. “That was a diversion--intended to give Miss Mather more time in which to escape. The second package was not in the motor. At that time there was no second package.” Doris Mather’s voice was raised just a trifle, but for the moment it dominated. “There was. Mr. Hammersley put it into the window sash, when he was in danger of capture.” “Then why didn’t he put them both there?” “I suppose because he wanted to be sure that one of them would reach its destination.” Von Stromberg grunted. “I see. But why did you help Mr. Hammersley to save those papers when you knew that they were dangerous to England?” “I didn’t know what they were. I did what he asked me to do because--because----” She faltered. Von Stromberg waved his hand. “Oh, very well. It does not matter. Who did you think was pursuing Mr. Hammersley?” “Agents of Mr. Rizzio.” “Why did you think that?” “Because I heard part of what happened between Mr. Rizzio and Mr. Hammersley in the smoking-room at Lady Heathcote’s and I knew that Mr. Rizzio had threatened Mr. Hammersley.” “Did you think the men who followed you in the other machine were German agents?” Doris answered quickly. “Oh, no. I was sure that they were men of Scotland Yard.” “Are you sure now?” “Oh, yes. Subsequent events have proved it to me conclusively.” “Oh! What events?” “The things that Mr. Rizzio did and what he wrote.” “He wrote--to you?” “Yes.” Rizzio was swallowing uneasily, his face pale, his hands trembling. “Excellenz, I can explain at another time.” Von Stromberg regarded him coolly. “I will hear you at another time. For the present, Fräulein Mather will speak. What did Mr. Rizzio write to you that led you to think that Mr. Rizzio was in communication with Scotland Yard?” “This letter, Excellenz.” She put her fingers into her waist and handed a crumpled paper to the General. Rizzio had risen again and would have interposed but von Stromberg waved him aside. “You will all keep silence until questioned,” he said abruptly, and then smoothing the letter upon his knee, read it with great care and deliberateness. Rizzio made an effort at composure but only succeeded in bringing out a handkerchief and wiping his brows. Hammersley watched von Stromberg intently. He was not aware of the contents of this letter but the attitude of the girl was distinctly reassuring. Von Stromberg’s brow puckered disagreeably and his long nose neared the paper while his eyes peered at the sheet as though his fiery gaze would burn into it.