“One moment, Excellenz,” put in Hammersley coolly. “Am I to understand from your attitude that you believe I am false to the Vaterland?” Von Stromberg laughed. “You still insist on acting out the part?” Hammersley did not answer the question. Instead he asked, “Will you be good enough to tell me upon what new evidence you base your present position?” The Councilor strode to the table and thrust the telegraphic message he had shown to the girl under Hammersley’s nose. “This,” he growled. “I will read it to you. ‘Hammersley caused arrest of Byfield. Has informed on Rizzio and myself----’ It’s signed ‘Maxwell.’ What do you think of my evidence?” He grinned, “Convincing, _nicht wahr_?” Hammersley looked up into von Stromberg’s face with a smile. “Not even in code, Excellenz? It is a pity you did not write it in English. But under the circumstances you can’t expect me to take any interest in such a trick.” “Not you, Herr Hammersley,” he chuckled. “It is not necessary that you should believe in it. In fact there are reasons why you shouldn’t believe in it, the most important reason being that Herr Maxwell is dead.” “Dead!” “Obviously. You condemned him and he was put in prison. If he is not dead it is through no fault of yours.” Hammersley smiled. “You cannot get me to acquiesce in such strange statements.” “I do not ask you to acquiesce. I could not expect to catch Herr Hammersley by a trick. But Miss Mather was less difficult.” Hammersley’s jaws set. “I understand. But do you mean to say that I can be incriminated by a confession made under the stress of a terror artificially produced?” “That is a clever turn of phrase, Herr Hammersley, worthy of the high regard with which I hold your abilities. In reply I can only say that in time of war my deductions in all matters connected with my department are final. You are an English spy, Herr Hammersley, and you are quite aware of the penalty.” Hammersley raised his head and folded his arms. “Quite,” he replied, “if you choose to take that action. I can only say that the time will come when you will regret it.” “I must take that chance, for there will be no trial.” Hammersley shrugged his shoulders and turned aside. His face was white and the muscles at his jaws worked for a moment, but otherwise he gave no sign of emotion. General von Stromberg had gone back to his favorite pose by the mantel and Hammersley again heard his voice. “It seems a pity, Herr Hammersley, that after all it should be you instead of Herr Rizzio who is the culprit. You are a type of young man very much to my liking, and the position of the young lady is unpleasant in the extreme. She has served her purpose here and I shall, of course, take immediate steps to have her returned to her own people.” “Thanks,” said Hammersley dryly.