The Admiralty’s Secret

Southern Cross, Volume 23, Issue 34, 27 November 1915, Page 13

The Admiralty’s Secret

BY CARLTON DAWE.

A STORY OF THE GERMAN PERIL.

[PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.]

CHAPTEK Vll.—(Continued). THE HERR CAPTAIN RECEIVES “ CHECK.” Von Austennann was standing now, watching Eunice with an angry frown, but though her lips, trembles, 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 ileet is battering your ships to scrapiron. She turned to the door, but with a quick movement he barred the way. “One moment. Where do you think you 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 wil] 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 ox such a. powerful master dare anything. Once those plans are in my hands we shall have no further use for you. You maythen return to your Mr Hadley. No doubt he will be delighted to see you. Until then you must consider yourself my honoured guest." “This is an outrage," she began indignantly. “Quite so ; 'but 1 do not think the English Government will concern itt self very- greatly over a thief and a spy."

She watched him with a 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 Austerai'ann 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," he said in English. "She is a precious charge."

The baroness, hex’ face wreathed with smiles, slipped her arm through that of the girl, and rather unceremoniously swung her round. “You may trust her to a. mother's care," she 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 y our senses, a thousand pounds down —on my word of honour."

“And on rny word of, honour," she replied, “this is the gi'eatest 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, xvho’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 f could have told you better than that.- Do you suppose I left anything to you honour —the honour "of a German ! If I am not free in an hour’s time Mr

Author of “ The Prime Minister,” “ Cleodora,” “ The Grand Duke,” “ Straws in the Wind,” “The Shadow of Evil,” &c., &c. (GOPYRIGHT.)

Radley will know where to llnd the papei’s." Yon Austennann started. “You vixen !" he said. “I don’t believe a word of it ; and in any case we intend to forestall him." “You forestall him !’’ she answered with contempt. “You forestall a man like that ! You tire not even, capable of outwitting a woman !"

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

When he was once more alone he® strode furiously up and down the I’Oom', muttering harshly- in German. “Who could have foreseen that she would turn like this !” Then he lit a cigarette, and angrily dashed the burnt match into the fireplace. Had he been too pi-ecipi-tate ? Had he shown his hand ’ too plainly ? The girl had seemed pliable, sxibservient to his pxxrpose. Without difficulty- he had prevailed upon- her to do this act. A smile, a squeezing of those little lingers, a careless embrace. How eas.y it was to get a woman to do a thing lor the man she loved ! Who coxild have foi'eseen the ultimate end of her mission', guessed the change that had come over her ? Had he been wise in his methods ? Tie feared, now that he had been extremely foolish. Yet bow could he possibly guess that this man whom she had set out to despoil would awake in hex- that sense of right which he had striven so assiduously to destroy- ? Moreover, it was essential that he should have those plans. Note after note, imperative in tone, had reached him. On the other side of the North Sea the supreme authorities were deeply- interested concerningthis latest English invention. Authority- spoke with no uncertain voice when it said that some knowledge of the thing must be obtained, and with the aid of a long purse he had obtained that knowledge. Indeed, the difficulties that 1 at one time had seemed insurmountable faded with a celerity that fairly- amazed him. And now the cup of success was suddenly' dashed from his lips ; in the very moment of his triumph, as it were, he found himself floundering- before the goal. lie l-ealised now that he had attempted to carry through this negotiation in a- very undiplomatic manner, in the rucle, brusque, arrogaxxt way of his race ; and yet he could not wholly- blame himself, for what mortal could have foreseen this singular development of affection on her part '? He believed her to lie greedy, avaricious ; he knew that hexone desire was to place herself beyond the x-each of poverty-.' On that he played'—on that and a more tender sentiment. Curiously dwarfed in her outlook, of life, she had not greatly hesitated to pei-f.orm this ignoble action, though he frankß admitted to him that his personal influence had been the preponderating weight in the balance. And then he had spoilt it all by an ignorant assumption of s\iccess. He had taken too much for granted, believing too ixxxplicitly in his own personal attraction.

And still he raged and swore and smoked cigarettes, and he was still raging and swearing inwardly when Mr Harford was announced. He stopped in his pei’egrinations, looked round shai-plyy and was on the point of denying admittance to his visitor, when he seemed suddenly to change his mind. 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 usually pallid face as he favoured von Austennann with.a closely penetrating look.

“It has been the very devil, said that worthy. “The girl shows a sudden obstinacy' which has brought things to tx stupid impasse.” In a few brief w'ords he explained the situation. “You mean to say that site refuses to give them up ?" “For less than fifty thousand.” “It’s worth the money." “I don’t happen to think so.” . • “They hold a, contrary' opinion over there.” tie nodded in the direction of Whitehall. “Perhaps I do not agx*ee with the people over thex-e. ” “In that case-b —” Thei-e was trouble in his eyes, and a look of evil. “It seems as though you -have been put to this inconvenience for nothing.” He felt sure that von Austemiami was mocking him. Cunning met cunning in the look that accompanied the thought. “But I want the money- ; I don’t mind telling you that I want it badly.” “And I want the plans. I don : t mind telling you that I want them badly. But you see how it is ’ we pa.y only for work accomplished. ’Apprehension and conviction,' —you know how the formula runs.” “And you’re going to take it lying down.” “Oh, xxo, that was never our policy ; we take nothing' lying down. We make our own tei'ms, we Germa.ns. I live in hopes of being able to persuade the lady' to change her mind.” “That ought to be easy- enough.” “It seemed so—once ; hut since she has made the personal acquaintance of your Mi- Radley-, her character seems to have undergone a remarkable transformation. ’ ’ “You mean that she’s fallen in love with him ?” “My dear friend, you must not ask me to pledge the credit of my intelligence on the actions of any woman- IVhat is be like, this man of the wonderful invention ?” “A detestable, conceited prig.” “Ah, you love him so."

“I hate him. In some way' or other he has leai-nt of m,y visits to Monte Carlo." “Ah, these visits to Monte Cai'lo, they cost so much. Do you think his lordship, the modest gentleman who believes himself to be the ruler of the seas, knows of Mr. Radley’s acquaintance with the charming mother and daughter Merion ?” “He may- learn ——” said Mr Nicholson. ' ‘Meanwhile ’ ’

‘'Meanwhile, my friend, I am Soi’ry, hut the bank is closed. There is no business doing.” Air Nicholson bit his lips. He knew it was no use imploring. This bearded brxxte would pay only on one condition, and that condition was not fulfilled.

He did not look a vei’.y attractive person, when he bit his lips, this. Air Nicholson. People said there was something of the Jew in him ;, that his father or grandfather had been'a Gerxnan Jew of ddixbtful origin,, who had made money in England, bought a third-rate title, and changed his name. Certain it is that this unworthy representative had stlill enough of the alien, in him to betray' the country that had sheltered him. -There are many such, rich, influen-

tial, who mock; at us, jeer , at us, betray us, even while enjoying our too easily acquired hospitality-. That night a messenger from, the German Embassy was robbed of his despatch box between London and Dover. When Captains von Austermann heard the news he smiled grimly. CHAPTER VIII. A GLOOMY OUTLOOK. The First Lord knitted his brows as he perused the lettexn Then reading it a second time, he frowned. It was type-written, and bore no signatui’e, but examining the post-mark he saw that it had been posted at Kiibxirn at 10.15 the previous evening. On the envelope the word “personal" was typed in the left-hand top-coiner. The communication was brief, and to this effect :■— “Inquire of Lieut. Radley' what he knows of the mother and daughter who lived at the flat opposite to his in Westminster Gardens, and, how he made their acquaintance. His answers max enable you to derive some

information concerning the loss of certain important documents. There was nothing more than th . , no signature, no initials : it not, even signed by familiar wenwisher. Sir Rupert Almayne con tinued to frown as he gazed at anonymous epistle. What on earth could it mean, or what outsider could have known anything of the unfortunate happening ? He_ looked across at .Nicholson, bending assiduouslv over his desk, and. then up at the "window against which the rain was splashing heavily. A knock came to the door ; Nicholson rose to his feet, and hurried to it, and presently an alert, clean-shaven man entered, a sheaf of papers in his hands. Approaching Sir Rupert, he shook his head in a low tone, and after having first flung a glance in the direction of the secretary, muttered, "Nothing.”

Sir Rupert nodded, pursing his lips, but being a man' ; capable of much self-control betrayed no sigh, of disappointment or annoyance. The new-comer laid his sheaf of papers on the chiefs desk, and was about to go when Sir Rupert held out to him the anonymous letter. Eagerly he watched that intelligent face during the perusal. Not a muscle twitched, not an eyelash flickered.

"What do you think of it, Camdon ?”

The man whom the First Fiord had addressed as Camdon hesitated for a moment or two. Then he answered in the same low voice, "I should •how it to Lieut. Radley.” "It would not imply a doubt ?” "We must get to the bottom of this, if possible.” "Quite so.” Then after a few more words, whispered in a confidential tone, Lord Camdon disappeared. For a while nothing was heard in the chief’s room biit the rustling of papers. Then he glanced round sharply. "Nicholson.” "Sir.” "Has Mr Radley arrived yet ?” "I will see, sir.” "Tell them I wash to see him immediately he conies.” "Yes, sir.” Looking up suddenly, the chief seemed to he struck by the pallid face before him. "You’re not looking well, Nicholson.” "I am quite well, thank you, sir.” "Glad to hear it. You look like a ghost.” Nicholson smiled feebly, but it was with the noiseless step of a ghost that he quitted the room. However, he had scarcely gone before the door opened again and in,he entered. "Mr Radley is here, sir.” "Show him in.” Mr Radley was duly shown in, the secretary carefully closing the door behind him. But he had not taken half-a-dozen noiseless paces towards his desk before the chief spoke. "I wish to speak privately with Mr Radley. See that we are not disturbed.” "Very good, sir.” Radley turned a worn and agitated face towards his chief. He had spent the most wretched night of his life, and his looks betrayed indubitable signs of the misery he had endured. The clear blue eyes of the First Lord seemed to search him through and through, and insensibly he sank from that frank gaze, as a rogue might from an honest man. Instinctively he guessed that some thing unforeseen had happened, and the sudden wondering made him feel acutely self-conscious. "Read that,” said, the chief, harding him the anonymous communication ; "it reached me this morning.” Nervously Alan Radley took the letter, and read it. Then his eyes sought those of Sir Rupert, and found there a steady, uncompromising stare.

"I don’t understand, sir.” "You have no' explanation of its ambiguous suggestion ?” "None, sir.”

"Who are these ladies mentioned in the letter ?”

"A Mrs and Miss Merion. "I was under the impression that you neither visited nor received,, visitors in Westminster Gardens.” A look of wonder passed over Radley’s face as it suddenly dawned on him at what the First Lord was

driving. "Good heavens, sir,” he burst out, "you surely don’t think that they had anything to do with this ?” An odd look broke slowly across those impassive features. "One scarcely knows what to think in these very strenuous times. Have you any objection to telling me what you know of these ladies.’’

"None whatever.” And forthwith he briefly nold the story of his first strange meeting with Eunice Merion, and of his subsequent introduction to her. mother. Sir Rupert sat patiently listening to the end, his mouth pursed, his brows contracted. But the deeper Radley went into the story the more confused he grew, until he almost gasped with amazement at the sub conscious suggestion it conveyed. He saw by the chief’s face what was already knocking at his own intelligence. "It was rather clever of her,” said the great man. "You seem to have been taken off your guard, Lieutenant "Then your lordship- believes —i ” gasped the young officer. "I haven’t a doubt of it. It seems to me that you have been very indiscreet.” "I can't believe it, sir ; it’s impossible. ’' "It's the impossible which is constantly happening. May I ask. why you omitted to tell me of these friends of j ours at our previous interview ?” "I did not ,see how it bore on . this question of our loss.” ! "Quite so. And this young woman —of course she’s pretty?” "I think so.” "Am 1 I. to understand that your admiration of her did not stop at a mere appreciation of her beauty ?” "I confess, sir, I thought, and still thirik, very highly of her ; nor can I possibly conceive her guilty of such an outrage.” "Your belief in the sex does more credit to your chivalry than to your intelligence, Mr Radley. You say the mother was a! Hollander, but that she spoke perfect English ?” "Almost perfect.” "Can you distinguish between the Dutch and the German accents ?” "No.”

"So that for all you know to the contrary. Madame, the mother, may have been a German ?” Radley felt the coils of the net were gradually encircling him. "It’s possible,” he admitted.

"You know, of course, that the Germans might be a little curious as to the secret of our design ?” Radley nodded. What ( if this thought that confused his brain and held him tongue-tied were true ? Could it be possible ? In a flash that first fateful meeting with Eunice passed before his eyes. The fainting woman, the slow recovery, her confused notion of what his drawings represented. Then he had s iled at her error. But now he saw it. with all the-force of tragedy. "You see,‘ continued the First Lord, in the tone of one who no longer has the faintest shadow of doubt, "everything points to the culpability of those promiscuous friends of yours. The fainting woman) who mistook her way was a ruse which succeeded only too well. I think we need look no further than, mother and daughter in our search for the criminals.” And yet he could not believe. How could he ? That girl' with the large true eyes and the tender manner ! It was not possible that she could be guilty (of so great a deception. "I can't believe,” he answered, stoutly, "that Miss Merion could do this thing. It’s frankly impossible. She would no, more steal plans than I would sell them.” "Yet they are gone,” said the First Lord slowly, but in a manner uncompromisingly grave, "and to my thinking this mother and daughter could tell you what has happened to them." "I .repeat, sir, I cannot think so.” "Then you must be very much in love, Mr Radley,” The strange confusion that showed itself on Radley’s face told the keen observer all he wished -to know. "Can’t you see,” he said, "how it was all planned out. Mother and daughter rest for a month in London on their way to the Continent ; the daughter employs a very daring subterfuge which succeeds only too well./ Those papers are now at the German Embassy tin the hands of our potential enemies, Mr Radley—for I don’t mind telling you. I have no longer any doubt as to 'German pretensions, consequently that advantage which we had hoped to obtain through you has been lost to our country, and all because you fall a victim to a pair of alluring eyes. What is the Admiralty to think of an officer who betrays his trust ?” “You hit hard, sir.”

"Is this a time for'the mincing of words or the putting on of kid .gloves ? lam gteatly disappointed in' you, Lieutenant Radley. Your negligence 'm/ay prove a fatal conse-

q-uence to the nation, and as such plunge our administration into a decidedlv unpleasant predicament I presume you are capable of providing us with a replica of those draw ings ?” “Quite, sir.” “Then you had better set to work at once, 'though I fail to see how that's coing to;mend matters. 1 presume your ship is still at 'Chatham. “Yes, sir.” . . - “Then you had better rejoin her immediately ■ “You Khali hear from nre later. ’ , He took up one of the numerous papers lying on his desk yand began to study it. Though dismissed,, Radley still lingered. The First Ford looked lover the rim of his spectacles and surveyed the young man with a curious air of interrogation. “What if those plans have not yet reached the German Embassy, sir ?” he asked. “What makes you think that possible ?” He,could not tell this man that he was thinking of a girl’s eyes and of the truth he had read there. It would be too ridiculous in the face of what happened, the suspicions that were rife. “It’s just possible,” he answered, weakly. “I don’t think there can be a doubt of it.” “Even then they may not have left the country.” “I fail to see how we are to prevent their leaving.” “Rut should any method present itself,” he began, tentatively. “I don’t think the Admiralty would ask any embarrassing questions.”

“Thank you, sir.” He saluted and withdrew. Outside he came face to face with Mr Secretary Nicholson, but he took no notice of the searching look with which that sleek young gentleman honoured him. Instead he hurried on through interminable corridors, out into Whitehall, where he hailed and entered a passing taxi. “Westminster Cardens,’ 1 he called to the driver, a s he bundled in. 'A tall dark man w 7 ho was standing by the kerb, a a person who in spite of his Lnglish style of dress did not look wholly English, smiled as he heard the address given. Then he, too, strolled in the direction of Westminster. Notwithstanding 1 his faith,, Alan Radley was none the less beset by a whole host of horrible suspicions. Could it be true that Eunice was nothing better than a German spy, and that she had played this evil trick on him ? Heart and brain fought a terrific battle during the progress of that taxi, with the result that he was still in doubt when he jumped from the cab and bounded up the stairs three steds at a time. Panting, he arrived on the upper door, but without stopping to regain his breath he pressed the bell and waited in an agony of apprehension. No answer coming, he rang again. Then he beat loudly on the panels with his knuckles ; and he was still staring Irresolutely at the door when he heard the housekeeper calling to him from the landing beneath. “Mrs Merion ?” he asked, leaning over the banister and gazing down at her.

“'Left suddenly, sir,” said the woman. “Leastways I believe so. A man came for the boxes last night.” “And Miss Merion ?” “ ’Aven’t seen no sign of her,” was the answer.

“Thanks,” he said. Rut he didn't think it necessary to prolong the conversation. Gone ! Then lit was true, after all. These women had come with an object, and that object achieved had duly vanished. For the first time he seemed to see clearly, read the hidden meaning in those wonderful eyes, and all the blood of him seethed in revolt against such heartlessness. (To be Continued).