As the door closed behind his visitor von Stromberg sank into the chair by the fire and lighted a third cigar, upon which he pulled steadily for some moments, rehearsing by question and reply almost every word of Hammersley’s story. By every rule of the game as he knew it Herr Hammersley should be a liar. And yet his story from first to last held water. There was not a flaw in its texture from beginning to end. If Hammersley had not told the truth he was the most skillful liar in Europe, a man who gave the appearance of truthfulness to the last hair of his head. And yet it was much more easy to lie if one knew that there was no man to oppose him. Hammersley did not know that Rizzio was on the way. Tomorrow they would meet. It would be interesting to watch that meeting. For, as to this thing, the mind of the General was clear. One of these men was false to Germany, the other true, but which? Both had come willingly, or was it by necessity? And Herr Maxwell! It was strange that Maxwell should have failed in his report at this crucial moment. And if Maxwell were dead--who had betrayed him? General von Stromberg’s thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door and the entrance of the orderly. “A telegram, Excellenz, by motorcycle from Windenberg.” The General opened the paper. It was in code and he translated it rapidly. VON STROMBERG: Withhold judgment until my arrival. Will be at Bremen tomorrow early with Miss Mather, who possesses valuable information. RIZZIO. General von Stromberg sank deeper into his chair, the paper in his fingers, a smile broadening upon his features. The woman! It was almost too good to be true. Miss Doris Mather, the American girl, Hammersley’s fiancée, coming to Germany with Rizzio. And Hammersley obviously did not know it. Intrigue, mystery and now romance. Tomorrow---- The man still stood awaiting orders. Von Stromberg rose with a yawn. “Is my room prepared?” “Yes, Excellenz.” “Which one?” “The same as before--next to that of Herr Hammersley.” “Well, move it into the wing. And when I go up you will set a watch upon my door--also one outside my windows.” “_Zu befehl, Excellenz._” “In the meanwhile send Herr Hauptmann Wentz to me here.” The man went out and Captain Wentz entered immediately closing the door behind him. “What time does the northern express leave Bremen in the morning?” “At seven.” General von Stromberg sat and wrote out a message. “Have this message sent at once.” And then, “That train reaches Windenberg at what hour?” “Twelve.”