“Come, sit down. Let’s forget that we are parts of the intricate machinery of State. Here is a cigar. Smoke. It will do you good.” Von Winden, flattered by this mark of condescension, obeyed. “You are glad?” von Stromberg asked. “Yes, Excellenz. I am glad. It is not the kind of thing one wants to be worried about--one’s own flesh and blood. But I knew there must have been a mistake.” General von Stromberg puffed his smoke toward the ceiling and stretched his long legs upon the floor. “It is very curious. I am not sure that I understand. Herr Rizzio is a careful man and he has much at stake. Why should your cousin Hammersley have refused to take cognizance of his credentials?” “He had doubtless good reasons of his own. But since he will soon be here he will answer your questions himself. The fact that he comes at all, Excellenz, should be proof of his loyalty.” “Yes,” said the General thoughtfully. “That should be true. One doesn’t thrust one’s head into the lion’s mouth for the mere pleasure of examining his teeth. Who sent this message?” “General von Betzdorf.” “There were no other wireless communications?” “None, Excellenz. But Stammer should reach Wilhelmshaven tonight.” The General smoked silently for a moment, and then: “Herr Hammersley’s mother was a Prussian?” “Yes, Excellenz, a sister of my mother----” “Yes, I remember now. Von Eppingen----” the General muttered, his brows wrinkled. And then, “You saw much of your cousin?” “For a while he went with me to the gymnasium, then to the University of Heidelberg. He has come over each year and shot with me here at Windenberg.” “You are fond of him?” Von Winden shrugged. “He is my relative. We have always got along. I should not have cared to find that he was a traitor.” The General smoked silently, his gaze on the fire. “But his father was an Englishman, Graf von Winden. We can’t forget that. Tell me. You have known him always. What was his attitude at the University? Did he show a real affection for German life and customs? In short was he ever able to forget that half of him was English?” Udo von Winden pulled at his small blond mustache thoughtfully. “I can only say that he was quieter than most of us. But he was popular. He was a member of the Saxe-Borussia and represented the Corps on the Mensurboden against Suevia and Guestphalia. A Prussian for all that any of us knew-- Prussian of Prussians.” “His father died when he was quite young, I believe?” “Yes, Excellenz. But his father, too, had lived much in Germany. He was a diplomat and scholar and enjoyed the friendship of the Iron Chancellor. That was before the ‘Hassgesang,’ Excellenz.” “Or before the ‘Tag,’” growled the General. “Your loyalty to your cousin is natural, but loyalty to the Vaterland----” Udo von Winden rose quickly. “You would not suggest, Excellenz----?”