The Minneapolis journal., 1905-08-23

" MY God' he cried out. Who has done this ?
shall be ruined.''
that my inquiry would have to be seri-
GUS. After a little further conversa-
tion with the chancellor decided to go
TO work regularly, beginning by tracing
the imperial telegram back from the
central office.
The chancellor readily furnished me
with the necessary authority to pro-
duce to the director Of the telegraph
service, to whom I had merely to ex-
plain that I had been instructed to YER
ify the exact wording of the. now fa-
nous dispatch.
It is unnecessary for me to detail my
interview with this functionary, whose
share in the business was purely formal.
Suffice it that within a quarter of an
ho,lr after entering his office, I came
out with the all-important Information
that the congratulation to: Mr.. Kruger
had come direct from the imperial pal
By this time it was clear to me that
either Wilhelm II. was playing very
complicated game indeed with me, or he
really was the victim Of one Of the
most audacious coups in history. My
interest in the investigation was
strongly reused, as I made my way to
the palace for the second time that day
bent upon a meeting with the tele-
graphist by whose agency: it now ,aP,
peared, the war-making dispatch had
come over the wires.
! cabinet had invested me with authority
in the eyes of the household. and had
no difficulty in getting footman to
conduct me to the operator s room
which was situated at the
far end of the corridor which
L had previously passed thru on my
way to the kaiser. :,
The room being empty on my arrival
dismissed the footman IN search OF the
most probably be found with the prl
yate secretary to the emperor.
The moment I found myself alone
stepped up to the apparatus. l am
an expert telegraphist, and the machine
speedily clicked off the following dis
patch:
'INTo the German Ambassador, Lon
idon.-See Lord Salisbury privately, al
once, and inform him British govern
ment entirely deceived as to my senti
ments, Proofs will be, sent to you short
ly.-Wilhelm, Kaiser.'
I had hardly taken my fingers of
the instrument when the door opened
and the operator walked in.
Herr Zeiss-I heard this name at th'
central office-appeared to me to be ;
simple e-minded man, more likely to b.
the victim Of a conspiracy than him
self a conspirator. | thought it m.
best plan to assume an air Of ON
niscience at the outset.
| Chow is this, sir,' I demanded will
some sternness. edo your instruction
permit you to leave this instrument un
guarded for any person who pleases t.
send his own messages over the emper
or's private wire?'
The telegraphist stared at me with
mixture Of surprise and alarm.
IL don't know who has authorize
You, Herr 1nspector-' he bega1
when I cut him short.
cam to go to his majesty and as
him if you have permission to leave thi
/ room when you please. without takin
any precautions against the unautho1
lied use Of the wire?'
Herr Zeiss quickly, changed his tone
l.
ever guilty." he protested.
"You have been guilty Of it jus
now,'' retorted.
have not been away two minute
No one could have taken advantage Q
my absence. - :
"Nevertheless, advantage has bee
taken Of your ABSENCE
IT don't believe it,;
ASK the central office to repeat th
message you have just sent them, then.
Casting a frightened look at me, tn
man complied. / have seldom seen a
expression of deeper astonishment an
marked the unfortunate operator s 8
my dispatch came back to him, wor
after word, ending with the imperis
signature.
Ny God!'' he cried out, "Who hs
done this? shall be ruined.'
: Whether you are ruined or not d
Pends entirely on yourself, I sal
sharply; 1t is in my power to say
you, but only upon one condition.
Herr Zeiss turned on me a gaze {
mute appeal.
You must tell me the exact truth,
proceeded, "and you must tell n
everything. How often have you le.
this room without taking precautio1
against the misuse Of the wire in vol
absence during the last two days?O
Zeiss considered for moment. The
his face frightened up.
"Not once. [ can assure you pos
lively Of that, Herr Inspector
, This answer, given so confdentl,
| came as a severe check to me. I locke
at the man sternly, as I responded, wit
assumed confidence:
I. "And I am positive that you al
mistaken An unauthorized Use h:
, termined to know by whom
The operators face fell once NOR
+ He appeared to me to be honestly {
: a loss.
Come, - I put in, think agai
: Begin by recalling any occasions {
i which you have been called away hu
( riedly, and have perhaps omitted
lock the door.