New-York tribune., 1918-03-31

where was standing convulsed with
laughter. 1t was 50 characteristic
caly Prussian no. to do so!
Wannagat, Oh our return home,
referred to the matter, and compH-
mented me on being really very
smart. lie had evidently not decided
on his future line Of action.
Next morning, having probably
thought things ever, he suggested
that we SO together to Gumbinnen,
where he would introduce me to the
Privy Councillor DR.. Steputat, Gov
ernor of the district. Of course 1
consented.
Ever since my arrival at Tilsit
we had been making little trips to-
gother to different places Of inter
est, and this DE-. Stenutat Lad often
been the subject Of conversations
between us. You will remember
that Wannagat named hin, as his
authority for the information given
me about the Ostmarken Verein. He
had also told me that the doctor was
in charge Of the archives of the en-
pire, secret intelligence, treaties,
maps, and documents of other coun-
tries to be used as occasion offered.
He said that among these papers
was a series of maps, surveys and
vital statistics about the Pacific
Coast of the United States secured
by Germany through Japanese
agents.
I had, it is true, gained very val
liable information from Wannagat,
but I suspected shat his becoming
fearful portendcd something from
the authorities.
Arriving at Gumbinnen, a little
town Of a dozen or more thousands.
passing the Governors house, which
was we'll guarded, with sentries
standing at the doors, we went u
the hotel This, as I recolect, was
"Dcutscher Hof'--I am uncertain
now about the name. l remember
most particularly that it was an un-
usually clean LITTLE hotel, with the
most elegant headwaiter have
ever seen in Germany. He was of
military height and bearing, blond,
good-looking, handsomely attired in
English evening garb of the most
fashionable cut, with silk lapels and
shirt 4 Ia mode, etc.
We sat q few moments in the gen
eral room having LIGHT refreshments,
the only visible guests. Then Wan
nagat asked me 10 wait for him
there while he went to sec Or. Ste
p'ltat to inform him of my presence
and arrange for my call. Of course
assented, and he went away leav-
ing me to my own reflections, which
| may as we'll own to you were no.
wholly free from apprehensions.
Waiting Arrest
For Two Hours
sat there waiting fer Wannagat
TO return, attireA for presentation to
the Governor in smart frock ccat
(Prince Aibert) and my shining silk
top hat, for two and half hours, eX-
pccting every minute to be arrested.
| was without any documents or in
eliminating papers, and prepared, as
far as might be possible, against
eventualities. Nevertheless, was
uncomfortable in mind.
But finally, sfter my long waiting,
Wannagat returned. He was little
hrea athiess and looked rather bulky.
From under his cutaway coat pro
truded q large envelope. As soon az
we met he pulled out the big envel-
ope. which was at least twelve inches
long and very thick and full. and
offered it to me.
"Now," he said, "here it is. I've
cot it all here for you"
"What do you mean?" said I.
"Why, the maps and the documents
showing the coming war with Eng
land"
So" thought l quickly, chat is
your game. You want me to take
this package from sou. whatever i,
is, to ge5 re 'rincAcH With what
would send nc to hard labor for life"
Not to be caught so easily l simu-
lated great surprise. 81 know moth
ing about maps" said 7. "nor do
want to know anything.'
He Wanted Me
To Take the Maps
Take thcm," he insisted. Look" !"
Offering to show me the contents OF
we pae&agc. But positively refused
t" leo'i at anythirg CT even touch the
package at al1.
Wannagat insisted upon my taking