The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1941-02-14
CHAPTER VII

ngton the evening had passed on
IN feverish staff preparation for flu
ture trouble, but with small belief
that the first thunderbolt of Van
Hassek's attack would fall before
midnight. Even Flagwill, gifted
Chief of Military Intelligence, had
mufted the ball, interpreting the eve
ming rumors from Fort Sam Houston
as symptoms Of a slowly brewing
mischief that might not tester into
violence for days or weeks.
On getting clear of the staff ses-
sions in General Hague's office
shortly after eight o'clock, Flagwill
put his shoulder to the wheel of
what now had become major re-
sponsibility of his own section. He
assembled his sub-chiefs and an
nounced his decision.
Gentlemen, the President has au-
thorized a spy roundup with the
gloves off. l needn't tell you that in
past months we haven't even
scratched the surface. You all
know your leads, now get into &C
ton. With gloves off, and nobody
to be spared who looks to us like
foreign agent. Any questions?"
In grave silence the small group of
officers rose. They knew that not
even an order of battle had greater
significance nor, more vital impor-
lance. A secret army of termites,
entrenched by years of organized
stealth in arsenals and factories,
was more dangerous than a dozen
attacking divisions. BY means of an
organization that reached into every
agency of investigation and law en-
forcement throughout the United
States, our CO would launch attack
on organized espionage at once.
Every well, gentlemen, that's ALL"
Flagwill said when he read from
their faces that his section chiefs
had no questions to ask. He added,
swinging his level eyes to Benning,
"You will wait, Captain, for special
instructions.
Benning stood in front of the Flag
will desk until the swinging doors
closed behind the others. The colo
mel spoke at once.
''In your report on Van Hassek's
headquarters at Mexico City, Ben
ming, you mentioned that Colonel
Bravot left on some mysterious mis-
sion, ostensibly to Europe. l think
you said your Austrian friend also
disappeared the last day you were
In Mexico"
Yes, SIR" Benning affirmed.
You'd better have a look-see
among the hot spots in Washington.
It's entirely possible you'll see some
one you know. A break of that kind
might lead us anywhere.
Bennlng took a taxicab to the
Army and Navy Club where he eff
fected some slight changes of ap-
pearance.
AT the Shoreham his gaze was
making first round of the tables
sklrting the dance floor when it CEN
tered with start upon a familiar
face. The man, dressed in dinner
clothes, sat alone, his eyes cleaning
with some inner excitement as he
pulled at a cigar. Benning moved
up for a closer view and found
prompt verifcation. Undoubtedly
here was the Austrian captain,
Fincke, of the Van Hassek staff.
Benning walked casually up to the
Fincke table and sat down beside
the Van Hassek spy.
Hello, Fincke," he said
Fincke started, his right hand
jerked toward his pocket, then he
relaxed with nervous laugh as he
recognized his unexpected visitor
from the Palacio Nacional.
my, Bromlitz, but you startled
- 49,
you were within thousand miles of
Washington.
Benning said in a matter-of-fact
way: FLEW up yesterday, Fincke.
Hoped / might be lucky enough to
run into you tonight. How are things
here?"
Fincke leaned across the table and
lowered his voice. His eyes cleaned
with excitement.
Ibid Colonel BraVot send you TO
work with us tonight?" he whis-
pered.
Benning pretended annoyance and
warned, mot quite so free with
names, Fincke." He added with a
bantering smile, II thought the colo
mel promised that you we're to go
back to your artillery When the snow
started?"
"Himmel, but there's bigger game
here than a battery of field artil-
leryl" Fincke retorted with a snap
of his fingers. Already l am a ma
jor. Bromlitz. II / succeed tonight
it will be because of my knowledge
of ballistics, my training lin the ar
fillery. and therell be another pro-
motion for me-"
"Then what?" Benning Knocked.
"Then, in a week or so, the big
cruise. There'll be real history,
Bromlitz, when we cut this little old
country right in half, and it will
make me q full colonell Are you in
on that one, Bromlitz7"
I'm not saying anything" Ben
ming answered, with q quizzical
smile that suggested full understand