THE ADMIRALTY'S SECRET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15822, 20 January 1915, Page 10

THE ADMIRALTY'S SECRET.

BY CARLTON DAWE. Author of "The Prime Minister," " decdo™. " Straws in the Wind." " The Grand Duke," " One Fair Enemy," " The Shadow of Evil," etc.

(COPYRIGHT.)

CHAPTER Vll.—{Continued.)

Vox Austeeman-n was standing now watching Eunice with an angry frown' but though her lip trembled and her face once more grew deathly pale, she returned his frown with one of equal significance.

Not through me," she said resolutely; "though perhaps you may be able to coerce Mr. Radley. You shall know what your treachery has cost you when the British Fleet is battering your ships to scrap iron."

She turned to the door, but with a quick movement lie barred the way. " One moment, Where do you think yon are going ''

"To return those papers to Mr. Radley. Please let me pass."

"In your present frame of mind I scarcely think that would be advisable. You will be quite safe here under the chaperonage of your estimable mamma." " A prisoner!"

"The guest of my Imperial master, the German Emperor."

" You dare not!"

" The servants of such a powerful master dare anything. Once, those plans are in my hands we shall have no further use for you. You may then return to your Mr. Radley. No doubt he will be delighted to see you. Until then you must consider yourself my honoured great."

"This is an outrage," she began indignantly.

'Quite so; but I do not think the English Government will concern itself very greatly over the fate of a thief and a spy."

She watched him with burning glance as. he crossed to the table and gave the bell two sharp imperative rings. Immediately the door opened and a couple of servants entered quietly and stood at respectful attention. Captain von Austermann looked round and rapidly uttered a sentence in his native tongue. The men at once advanced and stood one on either side of the girl.

" Take good care of her, dear baroness," ho said in English. " She is a precious charge."

The baroness, her face wreathed with smiles, slipped her arm through that of the girl, and rather unceremoniously swung her lonnd.

" You may trust her to a mother's care," sho said. " When she has repented of her folly I will let you know, dear Rudolf."

Eunice stared from one to the other in dismay. Her lips twitched, passion burned ominously in her eyes; for a moment it looked as though she would resort to physical opposition. The two servants drew nearer, a significant movement which did not escape her.

"Remember," said the herr captain, " the moment you come to your senses, a thousand pounds down—on my word of honour."

" And on my word of honour," she replied, " this is the greatest mistake you ever made in your life. When the British Fleet is battering the coastal towns of Germany, your Imperial master, of whom you speak with such servility, will know how to thank his blundering, officious servant. But I'm glad you've done this—glad that I see you in your true light. You thought of me as a fool, a cat's-paw. Well, who's the fool now? You think that by holding me prisoner you will, prevent my moving in this matter? Stupid fellow, any of your servants could have told you better than that. Do you suppose I left anything to your honour—the honour of a German ! If lam not free in an horn's time, Mr. Radley will know where to find the papers. ' Von Austermann started. " You vixen !" he said. " 1 don't believe a word of it ; and in any case, we intend to forestall him."

" Vou forestall him '." she answered with contempt. " You forestall a man like that! You are not even capable of outwitting a woman '."

"Take- her away!" he roared, in his own guttural tongue. " Close her mouth!"

Mr. Harford, whom we have already seen at the Admiralty as Mr. Nicholson, entered sleekly and noiselessly as usual; though there was a strain of anxiety on his pallid face as he favoured von Austermann with a closely-penetrat-ing look

Tnat night a messenger from the German Embassy was robbed of his despatchbox between London and Dover. When Captain von Austermann heard the news he smiled grimly.

(To be continued on Saturday next.)