He read the paper through twice and then brought his hand down upon the table with a crash while his voice thundered at Rizzio, toward whom he extended the note. “It is signed with your initials. Did you write this?” Rizzio bent and examined the letter. “Excellenz, I did, but it was with the object of bringing Miss Mather to----” “Silence! Perhaps you do not recall its terms. I will refresh your memory.” “Excellenz, if I had not written that letter Miss Mather would not have----” “Be quiet. Sit down. Please listen. ‘I am telling you this,’” he read, “‘to warn you that my generosity to Hammersley is not actuated by any love of a man who has spoiled my dearest ambition, but by the continued esteem with which I still regard yourself. I do not love him; and my own wish, my duty, my own honor, my loyalty to England all acclaim that he should be delivered at once to those in authority. And yet I have refrained--for you, Doris. But I have learned that H---- is in communication with G---- and that Crenshaw of Scotland Yard is on the alert. I may not be able to save him.’” Von Stromberg paused and laid the letter upon the table. “I could read more,” he said, “but that is enough. When did you receive this letter, Fräulein?” “The day after Mr. Hammersley was shot----” “And, acting upon it, you went to Ben-a-Chielt to try to persuade him from the cause of Germany.” “Yes,” she said clearly. “You failed?” “I did.” “H--m.” The General paused and turned to Rizzio. “What have you to say?” “Merely, Excellenz, that I thought Miss Mather knew too much for Germany’s good and I chose this means of getting her to Ben-a-Chielt.” “Where she could witness a secret meeting between two officers of my department? Bah! Herr Rizzio, your story leaks like a sieve. It is full of holes.” He touched the bell at his elbow and von Winden appeared. “You will convey Herr Rizzio to the room on the third floor. Put a guard over him.” Rizzio started to his feet, his face ghastly, while beads of moisture stood out upon his forehead. “You will not give me a chance to explain?” he protested huskily. “You will be given a hearing tomorrow.” “But, Excellenz----” “Take him away!” As the door closed behind the two men, General von Stromberg came forward and took Hammersley by the hand. “I am glad, _mein Herr_, that there is no longer any suspicion upon you. I have always liked you, Herr Hammersley, and you have done the Vaterland excellent service. I am sorry that this investigation was necessary, but in times like these I am not in a position to take chances.” “I understand, Excellenz. But it hasn’t discommoded me in the least.” Von Stromberg laughed.