THE HEAD-WAITER SPY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 1 February 1916, Page 7

THE HEAD-WAITER SPY.

A BLUFF Til AT FAILED. ' Mr. Max heard and saw much of the spy in 'die firing-line aurino- his visit io the front, and lie relates some interesting stories of these gentry in Pearson's Magazine. Here is one typical example: "Sometimes the spy is, as it were, hoist by his own petard in an amusing manner. Not long ago a merry motoring party pulled up at an important military "station in Flanders, and the captain in charge asked if he and Ins brother officer could gee a little lunch. Br.tli spoke English perfectly, and descii.ea themselves as of a certain regiment, which was then .upon its way from England to the from. For a "little while they deceived their hosts successfully, but the captain's curiosity was irrepressible, _au.cT.he asked innumerable questions as to the disposition of our troops, our supply of munitions, and the general morale of the army. To these he added the spice of his own story, which was that he had bagged a spy en route, and was taking him to headquarters. . - 'The fellow is in the cai* now,' he said. 'We caught him trying to tap the telephone wires. He has had no food since last night, so perhaps you might like to send him' out some bread and cheese.' "Such a kind thought somehow or other did not appeal to the generosity of the British officers as it should nave done, and while they'' did offer to send food to the prisoner, the senior among them went out to see it served. Shortly afterwards ho came, back with' the guard, who unceremoniously pointed their rifles at the heads of the two men who had just been the guests of the mess. •' 'Hands up, ? they said, and then the CO. spoke. " " Tou w'eie. Mmaitre d'hotel". at such and such an hotel in Norfolk,' he said, 'and the pretended spy in the car was one of your waiters. You will nil go. to trial together.' "Theywent, of course, and all three tijrnec] out to be German officers."