Adventure stories; Anarchists -- Fiction; British -- Spain -- Fiction; Madrid (Spain) -- Fiction
For at the eleventh hour Isobel's heart a little failed her. From what
point of view would Guy contemplate this rather wild adventure? Would
he take it as a proof of her devoted love, or would he frown at the
escapade, as a little unwomanly? Men of the straightforward English
type like Rossett are apt to be a little uncertain in their judgment of
what is seemly in their womenkind, and what is the reverse.
After luncheon, he went to keep an appointment with one of the chiefs of
the English Secret Service. This gentleman received him very
graciously. Moreno stood high in his estimation. He had rendered very
valuable service in the past and the present.
"Delighted to see you, Mr Moreno. But I should have thought at the
moment you could hardly be spared from Spain, more especially the
neighbourhood of Fonterrabia, and Madrid."
"I never take a holiday, sir, unless I feel I am justified. In this
instance I am. It is true I had a little private business on in England
at this particular time, which does not concern your department. But I
have sandwiched that in."
The grey-haired gentleman listened politely. Moreno, as he knew by
experience, did not make many mistakes.
"Some little time ago, Mr Guy Rossett, at present attached to Madrid,
gave you some very important information about the anarchist movement in
Spain."
"Ah, you know, do you?" was the cautious answer.
"Of course, I have known it for a long time. For very special reasons I
want to know the name of the man or woman who gave that information to
Rossett. I will give you my reasons presently."
The other man thought a moment. "Yes, I remember the details perfectly.
Rossett handed us certain memoranda which he had obtained from
somebody, whose name he would not disclose."
"That is exactly like Rossett. I have attacked him direct and he still
keeps silence. As an honourable Englishman he remains staunch to his
promise. One cannot blame him, although in his own interests it would
be better if he were a little less scrupulous."
The grey-haired man began to get interested. "Give me a few more
details, Mr Moreno, so that I can see what you are driving at."
Moreno unfolded his suspicions briefly. He finished his story with the
words, "If you could not make Rossett speak, I cannot. But you have
those memoranda in your archives. Will you show them to me so that I
may see if I recognise the handwriting."
The other thought for a moment before he replied. Even in the Secret
Service everything is conducted with the most scrupulous fairness,
although their opponents are destitute of the elementary principles of
honesty.
Then he made up his mind. "From what you have told me, I think it is
wise that I should show you these memoranda, with a view to
strengthening your hand. Kindly wait a few minutes and I will fetch
them."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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