Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-03-19
CHAPTER MI
UNNJNERSJEY EXPLAINS

y StromberE, HanlmerSlCy halted loT
the fraction Of a second and then came
forward into the room tlc still wore
his leather jacket and cap, but the
windburn OH his cheeks gave his eyes,
which had been protected by goggles.
n singular graynesS lie had had no
sleep and his face was drawn In hag-
gard lines, but his greeting showed no
signs OF uneasincss
Had I known you were waiting for
me. ENcellenS I should perhaps have
made quicker repairs
"It does not matter that YOU arc
late said Won Stromberg quickly. The
thing of main Importance IS that you are
here" The General turned and made
"A motion to the door of the room. II
wish to be alone with Herr Hammersley
Herr Hauptmann Won Winden, you are
relieved from duty for tonight Herr
llauptmann Wentz, you will remain
The two officers salutod and retired
and the General motioned Hammersley
to approach.
YES. EXcellenz Here
III, produced from an inner pocket a
small package wrapped in oiled paper
and handed it to Won Stromberg
"Ah" He went quickly over to the
bundle, opened the packet of RiS.la-
Croix and found the hidden message
which he scanned quickly. with muttered
CALCULATIONS of satisfaction and surprise.
Hammersly by the fireplace was warm
ing hts hands,
CAM gut" said the General.
straightening and turning. You had
More than usual, Exccllenz. Captain
Bytield is in prison"
Caught :" ,ELf
nammersley nodded. ~
They found letters at his rooms
ITammersley shrugged.
He is TO be tried by court-martial
He will be shot
Won StromberS delberated moment,
And we're you suspeected?'
but fortunately the Yellow Dove is still
q mystery--at least II was yesterday
morning, and ! got safely away"
Won Stromberg was scrutinizing him
kceny.
HIN. What makes you think that
you We're followed""
Il left London by night train. but
got off at t,dinburg, where my motor
met me. But the wire was faster. and
stretched a rope across the road, but
| saw It and went around They fired
"Wherf was this?'
Three nights ago
They didn't hit YOU"
~ mere scratch across the arm"
/ Let me see It,"
Hammersley looked into Won Strom.
borgs face aud laughed.
/ Really" he asked,
Yes"
/ Rather stlmy Hammcrsley took of
/ his leather Jacket and sweater and
/ Won Stromberg examined the wound
( with interest
/ So" lie said. Put on your coat
And after that
put up for the night at my cousins
who Is that?'
Lady IIeathcote----"
"Oh. yes. II was at her house ir
London that the message passed t
/ you"
"Yes, Excellenz,"
Won Stromberg paused a moment ano
then spoke abruptly.
why did you not give the paper:
to Rizzio?"
IIammersley's gaze met the Cen
/ erals squarcly
They we're TOO important. I could
not take the risk
But his orders superseded yours"
II saw-but ] could not take tht
why"
Because had reason to believ,
that Rizzio was acting. for the Englisl
Won Stromberg's burning gaze flick
cred and went out He took a few
PAGES across the room, his right hand
appng the haSS so4a Of beoTe hS lff lss
his hands behind his back
What We're your reasons for be
maxwell learned it from. Byfield.
Maxwell! You saw Maxwell
THE night left London"
HAS anything happened TO him?
iuNh'S, . ,.,a,,
The General frowned into the fire
TT Is strange he muttered. Yer!
strange. You did not realize then tina
| suspected you?'
mot at once, did later. That Il
YOUR privilege. Excellenz, But I re
fused 10 be caught under the circum
stances. l preferred to take the risl
Of failure. After all you see' sue
General Won stromberg was not i'm
mune from the frankness of Hammers
iey's smile He turned toward tn
table and scrutinized the papers witt
from Herr Captain Byfield?"
Uammersley's reply was startling.
unfortunately; no. The original pa
pesf pesBnrned Ms ]" cried the General. turnin,
IN but Iss e not before had made thi
copy, which put in safe place"
''Explain."
II was followed, leaving Lady Heath
cotes dinner party in an automobile
by agents OF Scotland Yard. ] had tn
slower machine and they caught me
But not before ] had passed the origina
papers to my companion--"
HYour companion--a woman?'
"Yes, Excellenz, there was nothing els
; 10 do She escaped while they wer
Searching me and kept the papers
''Nyho was this woman
My hancee,'
"Her name?"
Doris Mather."
''fsnglish?''
.No. American"