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The Secrets of the German War Office

The Secrets of the German War Office

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Chapter 1 I HOW I BECAME A SECRET AGENT

Word Count: 61702    |    Released on: 01/12/2017

ING OF A S

NTO T

HE SUBL

AND DUKE

RIGUE AT M

AISER PRE

ISOLATION

E BALKAN

AND BETRAYA

W YORK F

GERMAN WA

NG FOR PE

LLUST

Secret Se

r Wil

eful piece of Count v

von He

l von

AME A SEC

m, jerum, qua

June, 1913, when Mr. King, the Liberal representative from Somerset, was giv

for Scotland, reveal to the House the secrets of t

a political sentence in a Scotch prison, I had amazed the English p

f not, when and why I was released and whether I had been or would be

tim from the Edinburgh S

dance with precedent to state reasons for the exercise of the prerogative. I have no official know

eased because of the

elieve he was in bad health, bu

nditions imposed at t

think I have dealt with that

ious to have the truth. Unless the right hon. gentleman can give me an explicit answer a

ed at this stage, an

s quickly sent to the Speaker, and he

te reasons for the exercise of prerogative." In other words, high officials in England had found it advis

ment that he had no official knowledge as to my n

. There are three persons alive who know who I am. One of the three is the greatest ruler

Powerful governments have found it advisable to keep silence regarding my antecedents. A case in point occurred when McKinnon Wood, Secretary for Scotland, refused in the House of Commons to give any informatio

hich should have been mine--but never has been and, now, never can be. I used to have high aspirations, but promises never kept shattered most of my ideals. The hard knocks of life have made me a fatalist, so now I

c universities of Europe. And after spending six semesters there, I took my degrees in philosophy and medicine. Not a bad achievement, I take it, for a young chap before reaching his twenty-s

f a young sprig fresh from untrammeled university life, I began to give vent to utterances that were not at all to the liking of the powers that were. Soon making myself objectionable, paying no he

, of non-European countries always fascinated me, and I soon learned the way of disarming their suspicion and winning their confidence--a proceeding very difficult to a European. After a time I found myself in Australia and New Zealand, where I traveled extensively, a

nted I made tracks for this potential seat of trouble. I caught the first steamer for Cape Town landing there a month before the outbreak of war. On horseback I made my way in easy stages up to the Rand. Here happened one

h sandy plain as barren of vegetation as the shores of the Dead Sea, sweltering hot an hour after sunrise, chilly cold an hour after sunset, p

d a big burly Dopper flogging brutally a half-grown native boy. This humanitarian had the usual Boer view that the sambrock is more effective than the Bible as a civilizing medium. After convincing him of the technical error of his method, I attended to the black boy, whose back was as raw as a beefsteak. Kim complet

thickest. During the battle of the Modder River among the first of the wounded brought in was one of the many foreign officers fighting on the Boer side. It was Kim who found him. This officer's wound was fairly serious and ne

give me the knowledge and influence necessary to checkmate the intriguers who were keeping me from my own. This was the compelling reason that made me ultimately accept his proposal to become a Secret Agent of Germany. No doubt, if the Count had lived, I would have gained my ends through his guidance and in

d. As a physician I was allowed to go most anywhere and no questions asked. I began to collect little inside scraps of information regarding the discipline, spirit and equipment of the Br

ter the war, I want t

rom the Colonial officers, I too criticised, and

ushered into his tent, "you have twen

ecause my secret activity for Count Reitzenstein had been suspected, I cannot say. But knowing

rt of my youth there in the course of my education. It has always been a habit of mine not to seem anxious about anything, so I spent several weeks idling around Berlin before looking up Count Reitzenstein. One day I called at his residence, Thiergartenstrasse 23. I found the Count on the p

at extent. We are likely to meet one or two of the Service Chiefs out

zed?" I asked. "You know, Count, it will be

ere was not the

xplained, "need be kn

ow who this impor

I agreed; "

st the first persons who saluted him in the saddle paddock were Captain Zur See von Tappken and a gentleman who was introduced to me as Herr von Riechter. The Count introduced me as Dr. von Graver, which I subsequently altered whenever the occasion arose to the English Graves. After chatting a bit, Captain von Tappken made an appointment with me at his bureau in the Koenigergratzerstrasse 70, the headquarters of the Intelligence Department o

out three days passed and then I received a very courteously worded letter requesting me to call

aciturn non-commissioned officer, takes your name and whom you wish to see. He enters these later in a book, then telephones to the person required and you are either ushered up or denied admittance. When sent up, you are invariably accompanied b

cretaries and men of all work, however, are civilians; this for a reason. The heads of all departments are German officers, recruited from the old feudal aristocracy, loyal to a degree to the throne. They find it incompatible, notwithstanding their loyalty, to soil their hands with some of the work connected with all government duties, especially t

Service officer, especially a naval man, and is quite contrary to the usual charact

r and cigars, Captain vo

f traveling and adventure, I promise you will find it tremendously interesting. I have care

what would be require

u adverse to telling me if you have m

r question,

be directly required of me

looking me straight between the eyes and using the sha

ion such as we seek. The means by which you gain this information will be left entirely to your own discretion. We expect results. We place our previous knowledge on the subject required, at your disposal. You will have our organization to assist you, but you

, so good. Captain von Tappken had neglected to mentio

lied p

ot. For each individual piece of work undertaken you will receive a bonus, the amount of which will vary with the importance of the mission. Living expenses accruing while out on work must not exceed 40 marks ($10) a day. The am

hed an

I can take care

dow of a smile to pl

s a definite hold upon our men. Secondly, we have found that unless we save some money for our agents, they never save any for the

in England there were 30,000 marks ($7,500) due me

iarly private reasons--the dilemma of one of our house becoming a spy. The Captain, unaware of the personal equation t

ning. As your use to us and the importance of your missions inc

is eyebrows

," I said.

nd. "You made up y

ptain. I take a t

ke, Doctor; a qui

med to p

will need a lot of technical coachin

Capt

l do. Be here at ten A. M. Then give us

command briefly and in a few minutes the man w

month's living expenses. Reta

ed the chec

tal strangers. How is it that

uliar smile w

cedure," he said. "I have my instructio

hen, and curi

ve and what are th

sson in the Secret Service. All traces of genial friendlines

well. Do not ask questions. Do not talk. Think! You will soon le

It was my first les

G OF A SE

e desired results and the risks run by those connected with this service. Since the days of Moses who employed spies in Canaan, to Napoleon Bonaparte, who inaugurated the first thorough system of political espionage, potentates, powerful ministers and heads of departments have found it necessary to obtain early and correct information other than through the usual official channels. To gain t

n armaments. Germany builds one battleship; England lays down two; France adds ten battalions to her army; Germany adds twenty. So the relative strength keeps on a fair level. But with rapid constructions, new inventions of weapons, armor, a?rial craft, this apparent equality is constantly disturbed. Here also enters the personal policy and ambitions and pet schemes of the in

R WIL

ine is called Der Grosse General Stab, but th

ve been attacked five times and bear the marks of the wounds to this day. Escapes I have had by the dozen

of these atrocities as I had no active part in them, but I was sent down by my government later to ascertain as far as possible the prime movers in the intrigue which pointed to Colonel Mashin and a gang of officers of the Sixth Regiment. All the

veling with false passports. In those times arrests and executions were the order of the day. The old Servian proverb of "Od Roba Ikad Iz Groba Nikad" (Out of prison, yes; out of the grave, never) was fully acted upon

in charge of an officer pulled us out of our chairs and without any further ado marched us to the Citadel. The next morning we were t

ary persons. You were found possessing a passport no

faces with the characteristically close-cropped brutal heads, the humorous aspect dwindled rapidly and I thought it about t

orm M. Zolarevitch" (then minister of War)

then the center inquisitor fired a lot of questions

I have to sa

About four that afternoon one

st sending it, but I am related to Zolarevitch. So if y

ned and two sentries with fixed bayonets and cartridge pouches entered, placed me in the center and marched me into the courtyard, where ten more likewise equipped soldiers in charge of an officer awaited me, I felt som

nter, we marched out of the courtyard to

evidently selected for the place of execution. On a little rough, four-foot, stone wall we halted,

rstand, pointing out to him that someone, somewhere, made a thundering big blunder which somehow would have to be paid for. He was clearly ill at ease, but said, "I have to obey my instructions." I had told him of my message to the minister, and although it was quite obvious I was sparring for time he seemed in no way inclined to rush the execution. Five minutes went; ten minutes went and looking a

h caused me intense annoyance. How long we stood thus I don't know. The next thing I remember was a rattle of grounding arms and the sight of two other officers, excitedly gesticulating with the one in charge of the firing squad. All three presently came towards me and

it to Koenigergratzerstrasse 70, where the Intelligence Department of the German Admiralty is quartered. Will the reader step back with me in the narrat

r War and my world wanderings. No, I had joined the German Secret Service for quite a different reason. I was thinking of the influences that had pressed me out of my destined groove, by every human right my own. I remember how sanguine Count Reitze

he usual procedure with the door man, I was received by Herr von Stammer, private secretary of Captain Tappken. A very astute and calculating gentleman is Herr von Stammer. Suave, genial

is office, von Stammer

report daily at twelve noon by telephoning a certain number. At all times y

ffairs with any employee in the Service whom you may meet. You are not likely to meet many. It is strictly against the rules to become friendly or intimate with any agent. You must abstain from intoxicating liquors. You are not permitted to have a

expected to be called into von Tappken's presence to be sent on my first mission. Instead of that, I had to wait five months before I was given my first work and an exceedingly unimportant thing it wa

report on the condition, situation, and armament of a fort like Verdun in France must be able to make correct estimates of distances, height, angles, conditions of the ground, etc. This can only be done by a man of the correct scientific training. He must have the

of the various types of destroyers and torpedoes. My instructor in this subject was Lieutenant Captain Kurt Steffens, torpedo expert of the Intelligence Department of the Imperial Navy. After a month of tutelage under him, I was

the English, French, Russian or United States Navy. As I shall show in relating one of my missions to England, I was brushed up on the silhouette study of British warships, for I had to be able to discern and classify them at long range. The different ranking officers of the navies of the world, their uniforms, the personnel of battleships, the systems of flag signals, and codes, were explained to me in detail. I was given large books in which were colored plates of the uniforms and signal flags of every

eral Staff. But there were side trips to the big government works at Kiel and Wilhelmshafen. There I was taught every detail of the mechanics of n

l Staff possesses. I did not lose the chance of this opportunity. I really did observe and see more than was intended for me to see. Of the amazing amount of labor, time and money that has been spent to gather t

o consider the whole proposition of Secret Service, and before relating my first impo

her Asiatic possessions, but has only lately entered the European field. Last but not least comes the International Secret Service Bureau with headquarters in Belgium, a semi-private concern which procures reliable information for anyone who will

etersburg the chiefs were desirous of knowing the identity and names of a group of revolutionists who had formed a sort of colony in Montreux, Switzerland. A French woman, known sometimes as Theresa

ewing their dark plans, was known. He was Goluckoffsky, and he had a son twenty-t

pon Montreux. If you were there at the time you will recall the social triumph made by the young Canadian heiress. You may even remember that she seemed to be infatuated with the young impressionable son of

for money. Young Goluckoffsky was delighted with his fiancé. She was insistent that all his friends should be there, all the revolutionaries--although of course his dear Theresa did not know that. How th

ooked charming; even the grimmest of the old revolutionists were taken with her. Old Go

ure it! Strangely enough this did not please the guests. Photographs were dangerous. Suppose, in some way, the Okrana got hold of them. They breathed easier, though, when Theresa, calling in the photographer--the best in Lausa

x. In two days the names of all the revolutionists in young Goluckoffsky's handwriting and their pictures were delivered to the chi

sser General Stabe), the most marvelous organization in the world. The Political and Personal branch is controlled from the Wilhelmstrasse, the German Foreign Office, the Emperor in person, or his immediate Privy Councilor. The Army and Navy divisions confine themselves to the procuring of hidden and secret information as regards armam

of an express steamer or your charming companion in the tearoom of the Ritz is the paid agent of some government. Great singers, dancers and artists, especially of Russian and Austrian origin, are often spies. Notably Anna Pavlowa, famous for light feet and nimble wit, said wit being retained by the Russian g

rnival when the restoration--not the loss--of her magnificent gold chatelaine bag caused her much embarrassment. T

son. Now the Service does not like to see officers, especially those of the ordnance, becoming involved with ladies like the Pavlowa. On this particular night he had presented her with the new bag and she

lowing incident cost the Pavlowa a ra

y were feasting in the Ice Arena. I happened to be at near-by tab

bag. Of course, Mademoiselle was worried lest the wine run over on her gown and while thus preoccupied, the waiter, stammering apologies, mopped up the table cloth with his serviette--mopped up the win

her the gold chatelaine. "In my haste I picked

ng it felt for the letter. To her dismay it was gone. I saw her eyes

not my bag. I never saw it befor

e costly gift, but you went ov

st and, above all, a man of resource and a close student of his fellow men. In the woman agent charm and tact, beauty and manners, à la grande dame, knowledge of the world and men are essential. The pay varies, but is always good. Expenses are never questioned, the money being no object. For instance, I spent on a mission through the Riviera 20,000 marks in fourteen days. My fixed salary

overly nervous about their health or squeamish in regards to established ethics. I would not suggest the Secret Service as a means of livelihood for a nervous person. At times it is arduous and strenuous work and mostly undertaken by men and women who fear neither man nor devil. It is not compatible to longevity. As a rule, the constant strain of

ooner or later one is bound to succumb. I have known of a dozen men and women who have myste

es, one of a woman,

r had been sent after the plans of a Russian fort. In Berlin they learned that she had obtained them, but becoming involved in a love affair with a Russian officer was holding them out, planning to restore them to him. Also, contrary to the service regulation

r the German law entitled to a public hearing. Had he still been a military man, a secret tribunal would have been possible, but being the scion of an old aristocratic house and knowing official secrets, it was not wise to put him in aga

, unless that same member has procured for himself a solid good "life insurance" in the nature of documentary evidence

I

THE

us that, although it still lacked three hours of noon, these gentlemen had been quite frequently to the shrine of Bacchus. I had no fault to find with that, as long as they did not interfere with my own personal comfort. When they began tacking along, talking at the top of their voices on that part of the deck known by experienced travelers to be reserved for repose and reading, however, they began to irrita

ou don't own the

any further encroaching would be resented in a most drastic and sudden manner. The usual farcical exchange of cards, permitting all sorts of bluffs, do

wing the prowess of the Baron as an exponent of his national system of self-defense (I had seen him harml

that you didn't throw that bo

ver forget

ht when there is nothing beh

the expressio

ecret Service. The Intelligence Department had instructed me to ascertain the extent of the new docks and fortifications in

terwards learned, for the impending struggle. At Port Said we had taken on a Russian contingent, quite a few of whom were officers bound for Port Arthur, Dalny and Vla

te and country. Wrapped in a Shuai kimono, his gift to me, we spent many hot and otherwise tedious nights, sprawled in our deck chairs, discussing unreservedly the questions of the East. What I learned then and the insight I got into the aims an

nverse with and study his fellow travelers. Following my usual habit, I went out of my way to cultivate

less, undefinable ways of the Orient, but on the Bayern I learned rapidly the truths that Western methods and strategy are absolutely useless against the impenetrable stoicism of an Asiatic and that only personal regard and obligation on their part will produce results. In striking contrast to the Japanese, small and sinewy, any two of them weighing no more than one Russian, quiet, taciturn, genial and abstemious, were the children of the "Little White Father." The Russians were an aggressive

channels about the new naval base was merely theoretical and I soon found that to obtain practical results I would have to get in touch with the native clerks. In the English Eastern possessions, you see, most clerical and minor mechanical positions are held by natives. It soon was brought home to me, though, that this cultiva

e. This was a procedure against established British social usage in the East, where it is considered infra dig to meet a native on a social footing. Herein lies a grave danger to English colonial policy. Your semi-European educated native, having partly absorbed European manners, resents this subordination and ostracism. So, with this high-spirited, rather clever young rajah. I accepted his invitation to whiskey "pegs" and subsequent dinner at his bungalow.

same line, coming up from Australia en route for Europe, I had my ticket transferred. This would give me a ten-day vacation in Ceylon, where I had a number of acquaintances, having hunted there during my early travels. Accordingly, at Colombo I put up at the Galle Face Hotel, and the first man I met was Allan MacGregor, one of Lipton

're no the only chiel wha

sea, bound not for home, but for Port Arthur. My orders were to ascertain how far the Port Arthur fortifications were completed and to report on the general conditions as I found them. I wondered not a little at this mission, as I could not then see wh

ge to impersonate the character. The reader will understand that if Doctor Franz von Cannitz is subsequently mentioned, it refers

y, restored Port Arthur to China. Note the holding aloof of England here. The actual text of the ultimatum delivered was that the possession of ceded territory by Japan would be detrimental to the lasting peace of the Orient. Japa

ry tenth man was a disguised Japanese. To an observer, trained in the facial characteristics of the Oriental, it was not difficult to pick out the Japanese from the mass of Coolies. They fairly swarmed in Port Arthur right under the very noses of the Russians. As Baron Huraki had told me during our passage on the Bayern, his countrymen were actually employed in the bui

rt Arthur. For even with the incompleted defenses the place was tremendously strong. Everywhere I could see the most elaborate plans incomplete. For instance, as I wandered through the hills seeking my botanical specimens, I found that the

join in a jamboree, made me a very popular figure indeed. Through them I learned that the provisions of Port Arthur were in a most deplorable state. To use but one instance: Out of 1,420,000 pounds of flour, nearly one-half was bad with sour cords, which caused part of the enormous amount

of the First Tomsk Regiment, the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-sixth Siberian Rides practicing with their newly supplied Mauser-pistols on tables loaded with bottles containing the most costly vintage wines and cognacs. At such times the place literally ran ankle deep in wine. There were over sixt

efective work--rusty contacts, open insulations and exposed connections. There were carelessly exposed buoys betraying to the naked eye supposedly invisible submarine mines. The whole mine field was so badly laid that the Japanese were subsequently able to

. The Japanese, by the way, also knew this peculiarity of the ground and used it to great advantage in their advances. I also found the forts on 174 and 131 Metre Hills as well as the north fort of East Rekwan in an incompleted state. The commander of the forts, General Smyrnoff, was using strenuous efforts to complete the work, but the personal animosity of General Krondrachinko, the commander of the general defenses, vetoed

t stations back on the hills to be in a deplorable state. Indeed, on the night of Togo's second attack on Port Arthur the power plant was out of order and the searchlights which should have flooded the harbor with light were dark. The plant was subsequently repaired under enormous difficulties and cost, but of no avail. Co

lliant but faithful and obedient. A Russian regiment is never routed. They stand and are killed, being too stolid to run. I found most of the officers of Port Arthur to be b

not excepting General Stoessel himself, who seemed to realize the gravity of the whole situation. In long chats which I had with hi

Czar) is far away,"--h

be used only for bastions and escarpions, the money flowing into the pockets of the army contractors. I met General Stoessel at the Casino twice, and neither time did he impress me as a mi

ened to be of some assistance to him in alleviating an attack of malaria. This, with a similar taste in the arts and literature, soon put us on a friendly and intimate footing. I have m

ights, and the silhouettes of Russia's grim silent battle monsters riding at anchor were sharply outlined on the moonlit waters of the bay. We were smoking our pipes, having just finished a long chat about the history of these regions--

ed long enough on his kindness and hospitality. He turned around in his

e lovely hills will hear the roar of guns in earnest." Dreamily speaking as if to himself he continued, "And Russia will lose... but

tion. Doctor? I know I sha

tered one or two things in the course of my life which cannot be explained by rule and line. Throwing off my sudden strange mood, I told Verestshagin that

you are rig

l. I keep it as a treasured memento of one of the few really good men I hav

hero's death, going down with Admiral Marakoff on t

danger of my being bottled up at any minute. It is significant that in the Intelligence Department at Berlin they knew an attack was imminent, although they did not know it at Port Arthur. Furthermore, Russian securities dropped eighteen points on the New Yor

port by cipher cable. Six months later I had the satisfaction of having a talk with numerous officers of the G

desired to ascertain the exact relative strength of the Port Arthur de

Far East in 1905, her influence steadily decreased in the Balkans and the recent fiasco of Russian machinations during the Balkan war, has made her become a secondary factor for decades to come. Ge

ired opportunities and a free hand in the Balkans and Turkey. Had Germany through her Intelligence Department found

SUBLI

h 10, 1905. The next four months were rather commonplace--od

gratzerstrasse 70. I lost no time in getting around, nor did I have to wait to be ushered up. I was shown di

he Wilhelmstrasse to hand you over to them. Very annoying. I d

ssed my

request the services of any of my men. But your work has attracted some attention. I shall request that you

ny similar to the procedure of Koenigergratzerstrasse 70. Stammer gave the commissaire his card and we were shown into a chamber and bidden to wait. I was frankly curious about what was in store for me, but I knew better by now than

, Sta

Graver, you

Convey my thanks to Ca

me in hand and informed me that the tall, thin, iron-gray gentleman was Graf Botho von Wedel,

Privy Councilor and right hand was the head of the political sections of the Secret Service. This promised to be interesting.

er carefully and minutely for a considerable l

are you

outh always made this quest

ve, your E

." He stared at me agai

e satisfactory and show discretion

in ackno

important matters. You will receive your orders and instructions only from me. You will report only to me direct. On no account

s,

etary. Of your expenses you will furnish a monthly ac

im in tw

out the favorites of the high officials and officers, especially the nationality of these women. I will not give you any points of introductions. They might lead you to be suspected. They are a crafty l

ll always use 17 to sign personal cipher messages sent to me.

f for the mission. The transfer from Captain Tappken's department pleased me for I knew that at the Wilhelmstrasse I would be in closer touch with the bigger affairs of diplomacy. Tapp

sent me to the Spandau Garrison to inquire into the affairs of an officer who was too lavish with his money to suit the Intelligence Department. He was

t be mentioned in a report to Captain Tappken. This situation required delicate treatment. I solved the dilemma by reporting to Tappken that the ordnance officer was guiltless of any act of treason against his country. I then made a private report, covering the intimate

from the questions of prying neighbors, I had caused it to be known that I was a retired South African planter inclined to poor health. This was the most likely explanation for my curious mode of livi

o travel as a physician, or to use the Turkish word a Hakim. A Hakim is always accorded respect, even reverence, by Turks and Arabs. This character determined upon, I went to the telephone and requested the Service Intelligence Department to give me letters of introduction to the German hospital and the Pera Hospital in Constantinople. They were sent to me signed by the authorities of the Charitee in Berlin and described that I was going to study tropical and Asiatic diseases and requested that the hospitals give me every facility for research work. I had Kim pack a case of medical instruments and told him to have everything in readiness to leave Berlin that night, on t

ir dialects, he knew Arabic. Any negro boy who could speak Arabic could learn almost anything in Constantinople, which abounds in black men of all tribes and n

ntinople, I used the first week for getting familiar with the geography of the city. It was necessary that I learn the location of the various legations and the residences of high court officials. The next week I found lodgings in the very center of the district of court residences and began to seek out the haunts and places of rendezvous of demi-mondaines, favorites and hangers-on of the Turkish officials. On the second day of my arrival, I had presented my credentials and letters at the

ed as in Turkey. Kipling, who knows the East so well, portrayed Port Said as the dwelling place of concentrated wickedness. He is right, but I do not think he has ever visited Stamboul. In Stamboul there is with no exception the most conglomerate mixture of nondescript nationalities on the face of the earth. Not only are all nationalit

. With true Oriental tolerance, the Turk lets things gang their ain gait. The casual observer and traveler always confounds the Turk with the rest of the nondescript mass of humanity that swarms in Constantinople. That is a crass mistake. Your true descendant of

th the innumerable demi-mondaines. They were of French, Russian and Circassian birth and extraction, and were identified with the various Turkish court officials from the Grand Vizier down to an officer in the Ganitsharies. This preliminary work is always exhausting, but it is so necessary on a mission of this kind. One

types. A white man has not the slightest chance of finding the way into their confidences. The universal golden key does not unloose tongues in such cases in the Orient. But Kim as a member of the once mighty

fficials, to locate her residence and then put Kim to work. Finally locating one of thes

I want you to learn everything you can about any letters she may receive. I want to know just where she gets her money from, if

rvants in that household and he would gen

d the length of the visits. The bare fact that Abdulla might be seen in her company in public bore no particular significance. These women are always accompanied by a whole retinue of officers and young Turkish noblemen. It is part of their work. Their method of procedure is to bewitch young officers and officials, attach them to their person, make them spend huge sums of money and then play their card. I noticed that the money Turkish officers squandered on these women compared to their pay and income was tremendous. They t

ed servants had stolen for him. He supplemented this by conversations that the servants had overheard and told to Kim. All this showed me that more by good luck I had stumbled upon the hotbed of the prime mover of the whole intrigue,

girl who danced in the Folies Arabic. I learned her name was Cecelia Coursan. I began to frequent the Folies, a kind of cabare

k, covering half their faces although the rest of their figures are visible through gauzy Damascene shawls. The European performers, dressed in the latest and most startling Paris creations, flirt and flitter among the audience--seated round on dainty marble-topped bamboo tables, inhaling, in the case of Madame, a dainty "Regie," or if Bey or Effendi, a Tshibuk or Narghil

ic admiration, I made myself conspicuous by a peculiarly British stony indifferen

en a choriphyée at the London Empire. I let the acquaintance grow leisurely. One night I found her in a fit of despondency, over a quarrel with her friend, Mlle. Balniaux. My subterfuge getting effective, I was just beginning to ply her with questions when a Turkish officer full of cognac wandered by and dropped a remark to her in French. It w

significance of my blunder came to me and I felt like the classic capricornus, meaning goat. She said she was tired of

ant? Is it not as it was with t

ring tone, only half h

d. "A Turkish pig is no worse tha

uing the innate sense of decency inherent in every woman. Gentle courtesy and manners impress a cour

n bits of information that Kim had given me. I knew, or I could pretty well guess, that she was not staying in Constantinople, enduring the insults of those Turkish officers, simply for the money she coul

h I must in this narrative of Secret Service operations treat as impersonal th

es lately?" she demanded with a p

he hospital had made he

impatiently on the floor; after a pause

most unfo

that

e would only be pain

lue. Why not make the occasion a hap

me with an impu

I cannot go gadding about Europe. Besides, I have my work

unconsciously her manner changed. She became somewhat appr

spital with your evident knowledge of the world and people. With your educat

Very gravely I asked her to tell me more about Secret Service. Proudly, Cecelia showed me letters that she had received from Paris. From the addresses and the signatures I thus learned the individuals in direct control of the system that was undermining German inf

She assured me it was liberal and urged me to hasten to Paris. I told her that as soon as I finished my work at the hospitals I would

e from my viewpoint Cecelia Coursan was not a woman, she was simply the paid agent of another gove

in Constantinople had "broken" her, for she seemed to have gone down the ladder. She did not recognize me, but as she seemed to be in straitened ci

turning of the government. In my report I made a correct forecast of the trend of affairs. I drew attention to Enver Bey, who was even then considered clever, even dangerous, by the Grand Vizier. As a most aggressive Young Turk, they had sent him to an obscure post in Thessalonia, but upon sounding out the younger officers I found that he was still regarded highly. Without doubt my reports in addition to the reports made by von der Golz, the accredited German instructor of the Turkish Ar

Turk for reasons which will be obvious enough later. During the Caprivi Chancellorship, the relation between the two empires became rather lax. Wilhelm II with his keen farsightedness set about to remedy this. In his usual spectacular, but in most cases efficient, manner, he we

The immediate result of the Emperor's visit was a close understanding between the Wilhelmstrasse and the Sublime Porte. The buying of vast quantitie

ime Porte. How far England would like either Germany or France to acquire control of the Dardanelles remains to be seen. With Russia, it has been bloody wars and grim struggles since the days of Catherine, misnamed the Great, to gain control of the Dardanelles. Unceasing intrigues have been and are stil

io officers; the then sultan, Abdul Hammid, "The Damned," being completely cowed and under the thumb of his Grand Vizier, could not be relied on for a moment. After my mission they knew in Germany that the time was ripe for a radical change, and they engineered it. Result: A revolution and the Young Turks in power,

ND DUKE

g and now I began to experience trouble. A series of hemorrhages brought about by unchecked cold and exposure, led me to consult Profes

es I could do exactly as I wished, where man and beast knew me. One, whose place was in the Pushta, Hungary, was probably away on a hunting trip and Hungary was too remote. The other, a schoolmate of mine, lived near Furstenwalde, about fifty-eight kilometers from Berlin. Furstenwalde

ing but spending most of my time in a hammock slung under some of the giant Fichten, wh

r from Graf Wedel, an

Gra

e matter briefly is this. I have been approached by the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerein to assist him in the solving of a rather delicate private affair. It is outside the usual routine but we find it advisable to comply. The mission is delicate and lead

y yo

Wed

some fee. I wrote Wedel that I had no objections, providing the mission was something I could accomplish, for I was still in the dark as to its nature. I knew that intruding into the private affairs of ducal and princely houses is often a most unthankful business

t landau of the Grand Ducal stables. Two flunkies in the Grand Duke's livery took my luggage, escorted me to the carriage and I was driven up to the old castle. The landau took me to a side entrance and I was promptly shown into an austere and unpretentious chamber. Scarcely had I

y head. "Strange times. Strange times." Then suddenly realizing his

to the subject at hand. He began a chat with me about purely personal affair

ulfill thi

ege of refusal should I find myself unable to negotiate it successfully. He agreed that it was fai

r house. For more than political reasons, it is impossible that she enter into an alliance with us." His eyes flashed. "This lady has lately threatened to make trouble through my persistent refusal to countenance her desired relationship." He frowned. "She has in her possession compromising letters and documents which my nephew was foolish enough to give her

to he conservative in ma

t often undesirable to voice my thoughts until I h

impress him and

all arrange with your chief in Berlin for forwarding facilities. Be good enough to wait and I shall send

ry came in and handed me an envelope with the Grand Duke's compliments and a request to start at once on my mission. Assuring him I would be on the road that same night, I returned t

aft for 500 pounds on the English, Scottish and Colonial Bank, with a note saying that any future request

was to try to get in touch with the little circle or clique in which she moved. This might have been difficult in any other city but London. But

circumstances, being guided by any momentary points that may arise. My first task was to create an impression, something t

interested in a man of travel, a hunter, a desultory globe-trotter; and nothing attracts the English mind so quickly as a well-bred ecc

rom acquaintances I made around the hotel, from the society reporters of newspapers, I began to get little scraps of information. Fortunately it was the season in London and everybody was coming into town. I soon knew who the Lady's intimates were and their favorite rendezvous. The next step was to become familiar with the personalit

ent out at the same time of day. Thereafter I made it my business to pass the lady on the bridle path day after day. I pride myself on few things, but my horsemanship is one of them. Many a hard tussle and bleeding nose I got riding Brumbies across the wild tracks of Australia. I also learned a trick or two among my Tuareg fri

ne in particular interested me. They were in the habit of frequenting Carlton Terrace betwe

r of distinction carelessly abandoned to pleasure, ever murmuring pleasant nothings and tossing light persiflage from table to table, is truly an interesting study of the l

ntil the lady was in the terrace; then I would stroll in alone, take a seat alone, and show a desire to be alone. They have a very clever way of serving strawberries at the Carlton. A vine, growing from ten to twelve large luscious berries is brought on in a silver po

three sovereigns ($15). For about ten days I did this, always at the same time, always being careful to make my entrance after the lady's party was seated, always ordering the same number of portions, always giving t

the strawb

noon at that time of the year is the most fashionable in London. Now, a woman like my lady does not flirt. If you glance at her under favorable conditions, such as my strawberry "stunt" had

ries about me. Several men had wanted to know who I was. Under questioning, he told me that one of the men was a

e his permission. By now, London had gradually filled and the season was at its height. I went the rounds of the theaters from Drury Lane to the Empire, and I visited the clubs. I found here men whom I had met previously and presently I rounded up two or three fellows with w

arness of skin and eyes and strong virile health, that is the hereditary lien of Albion's daughters. Tall, willowy and strong, of free and independent m

olonial boy. Still as fond

urst out

erved and classified

with a toss

and more understand the Grand Duke's infatuation; in

thing about me. I was a globe-trotter, a man of leisure, interested as a hobby in research work in medicine. I discovered that her affair with the young Grand Duke was a fairly open secret in her set; also, that she was expecting him in London almost daily. Gradually I hinted that I knew the young Grand Duke. As I gained her confidence further, I

ned that she had met him at a hunting party at the Earl of Crewes' shooting box in Shropshire. Later, she intimated that this was but their official meeting and that their acquaintance act

tip the maid liberally. I contrived to do a number of little things for her. Knowing the lady to be out, I called at the house one day and while pretending to

." I took her note that night and with others--the whereabouts of which I learned from the maid and which I indirectly purchased from the holders--I took all these to a notorious money-lender and made a deal with him. He was to take the notes and press the lady for payment, of course keeping my name out of it. It is obvious that, trying as I was to win her confidence, I could not go myself and hold

erein, but because of her association with the young Grand Duke and the fact that she had been betrothed to him, it was only right that the Duchy provide her with some means of assistance. The ice was perilously thin, for the lady is a high-spirited woman of ideals and I had to be car

compel the ducal house to make adequate

th a handful of letters. I saw on some of them the Grand Duke's coat of arms. The you

would say to these? Why, I

n that I knew what I was talking about, I hinted that I was connected with a leading family in Germany and that I was in London incog. I approached the situation from t

ward you utterly unfair. In view of your understanding with him, you are most certainly entitled to adequate recompense from his house. If you went into court you c

med to h

can I do?"

lf. I think I can negotiate with the young Grand Duke's uncle and I promise that he will regard the matter in a fair lig

d and tapped the

ble," she said. "No

been given me to tell. In about five minutes I had painted the young Grand Duke in such color

not come. You told me yourself that he has not even answered your letters. Well, that's all ther

e to elapse, I again went out to Mayfair and read them to her. She was now cold and hard and gave me full permission to go ahead and make any arrangements I deemed advisable. I thereupon went to the Grand Duke's bank in London and notified them that I must have 15,000 pounds ($75,000). In four days I had the money. The rest of the transaction was commonplace. She handed over all

d opened it in my presence. I noticed as he ran through the letters that he did not stop even to glance at them. He did, however, stop and pick out from the pile an official looking document, at the sight of which a tremendous sigh of relief seemed to escape him. The document had a decidedly close resemblance to a marriage license as issued in Switzerland. Of course I only got a fleeting, curs

eceived a few days later through Wedel a diamond pin and a magnificent gold watch

rformed faithful

GUE AT MO

en my man bowed an orderly through the door and at once all my plans took swift flight out the window. The orderly brought a command for my immediate attendance at the Wilhelmstrasse. Now the gentlemen of the Wilhelmstrasse are never kept

y rooms I went over wh

You will have the assistance, if necessary, of the Countess Chechany. If you need her, send her this card" (he had given me the card with his signature across it, a reproduction of which is presented on this page)."

s himself Udo, and Wedell, in case an

of Wede

ad given the answering secretary an order; within three minutes I was shown the photograph of the

ell acquainted with South Africa, the Rand and Transvaal, I had the advantage of knowing my locality first. A Secret Service agent is always careful to choose a character with which he is fully famili

d Express. Selecting a pleasant middle compartment, and getting my seat registered, I made myself comfortable and began to map out a campaign. This was rather a tough problem. To be in the slightest degree succe

e Riviera and the Savoy--ostensibly it was for their health, possibly for other reasons. In any case the health of these gentlemen seemed a matter of some concern to the German emperor. Health trips of more than one statesman in or about th

bon vivaint, extremely fond of a pretty face. Um! I began to see light. Here is where the Countess might come in. By her photograph, a

lobe-trotter trick. Hotel couriers or dragomen are walking encylop?dias. They are good linguists, observant and shrewd. They are masters of the art of finding out things they should not know, and

Secret Service men? Hence the courier, a Swiss from Ober Arau, a district of Switzerland, I luckily knew well. When he knocked at the door, I cheerily bade him co

smoke with me here. I'm a bit lonesome. I want to ge

some commonplace conversation, a

of intere

d the courier to have someone to chuck

," he said slyly, "there is a

igarette, helped him to

nt Techlow, but he can't fool

gambling a lot?" (

courier, "he's kee

a Countess

en dangerous to tempt the quarry away from a demi-mondaine, especially at Monte Carlo. After chatti

ountess Chechany. I sent in my own card bearing the name of H. Van Huit, Doorn Kloof, Transvaal

t shades of Helen! This was Venus, Juno and Minerva--the whole Greek and any other goddesses rolled into one! Tall and willowy, superb of figure, great dark-blue eyes, masses of blue

Tolna Festetics, a leading house in Hungary. Also, she was one of those marvelously beautiful women peculiar to that coun

of Transvaal," gazing a

was. Von Wedel's card showed her that. But, as her n

ned ankle, Doctor. Can

n the Service. Besides, it is strictly a rule of the Imperial Secret Service never to discuss or divulge personal matters. Her attitude by no means pleased me. I cordially hate anyone, especiall

an advantage. But if I can be of any

p, and pirouetting arou

re good and nice, I shall tel

bit of femininity I have ever met--besides being the possessor of a devil of a temper. After some more

untess, the obje

nd the command to co?perate with you if necessa

is Serene Highness resided at the Hotel de Londres, we agreed to dine there. After accepting a dainty cup of chocolate I departed, purposely returning home by way of the Londres. Here, with a lit

o could or would be punctual. Finally I heard the soft swish and frou-frou of silk garments and looking up saw her ladyship coming down the grand stairway. She was br

playfully on the arm. "See, in return fo

ed. When we arrived, I saw that the hotel was pretty well filled. Everybody who was anybody seemed to be there. I noticed a number of prominent American society ladies. Experience h

the Countess' favorites (charged to expenses). As we walked slowly down the passage to our table, many eyes were turned toward us. The Countess appeared unconscious of it all. Lazily, half insolently

right I saw the Prince Galitzin. From the moment of our entrance he had kept looking at the Countess. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, and abruptly he changed seats with

a little diversion, something that would drive away a possible suspicion that this was a "plant." It was perfectly obvious to all that the Prince was be

ma?tre d'h?tel, I requested him, pitching my voice so th

on our right to disconti

g deeply red, he abruptly rose and with a bow to th

garettes. This, to my mind, is the most enjoyable hour of the day, especially in a place like Monte Carlo, well groomed, well

bbing victory. Here a mondaine, a demi-mondaine with a reputation in half a dozen countries. Here a group of famous lights of the stage, there a couple of eminent statesmen. Truly, a cosmopolitan crowd. What if the antecedents of some of the pleasure seekers here were known? I recognized many and it bein

and addressed me. First, however, he handed me a card, whi

convey his regrets, should he have caused Madame or you any annoyance

me being a free agent and only an acquaint

added, "I have

dded. The Prince's env

himself exclusively to the Countess. About half an hour's talk, refreshments, and there came an arrangeme

hat evening however, to which I was not invited, and supper after, to which I was not invited. Indeed, when I met the Prince Galitzin on the grand pro

e of Delcasse. My work was now to learn if the French minister held any meetings with Sir Edward Grey or Winston Churchill, ministers from England, who were shortly expected also to arrive at Nizza. Subsequently I guessed there would be a final meeting with the Prince. I continually and unobtrusively followed Delcasse everywher

ed a wire from the Countess. It was delivered

mp here. Meeti

f the tenth and found awaiting me in my room, the Countess' maid. She delivered part of an important conversation which had taken place between Delcasse and the Prince, and of which I shall presently give the substance and its explanation. Instructing

ference in the Prince's chamber at the Hotel de Londres. Having changed her hotel and being in a chamber adjoining the Prince's, the Countess had managed to overhear most of this

activities of German expansion and completely coup her up diplomatically. The Countess told me that Prince Galitzin and Delcasse were going to meet again that same afternoon about five o'clock. As it was absolutely imperative to obtain

ly. In the event of trouble arising, hurrying through France would have been out of the question. Switzerland is an independent country which would have held me up officially on being requested to do so, although they do not extradite for political offense

comfortably in the appointed corner, awaited developments. It was a trying wait. I sat there from seven to ten-thirty, smoking incessantly. I was just finishing my last cigarette and I h

the English Cook's Tour type. Her return glances and smiles attracted the amused attention of most of the passers-by, especially the attendant of that part of the Salle

m the entrance door and without as much as by your leave I h

got anythi

Ladyship wishes to meet you. You

he girl a louis, I jumped into a carriage and drove there. In a short time I was joined by the Countess who had thrown a hooded mantle over a brilliant evening gown. Quietly

nd it sufficient. I'm leaving for

containing abbreviated sentences of dates, and names and a route, all in the handwriting of Delcasse and the Prince. The whole gist with her repeated, overheard snatches of conversation showed clearly an intended secret visit of the President of Franc

cuments were delivered into the hands of Count von Wedel, and t

ngland did not have their cards on the table. He did not know which countries would remain neutral in case of war with France. He had suspected that there was some sort of an understand

a master stroke of diplomacy. He brought the Moroccan question to a crisis, long before it was anticipated; he sent the warship Panther into Agadir Harbor and forced England and France to show their hands. How close war was aver

Monte Carlo, the Czar rewarded Prince Galitzin

I

ER PREVE

s that his city offers. Accordingly, with money running through my fingers like sand, I planned a long ride in the Grunewald; I saw myself ordering the few special dishes one gets at Kempinsky's; I would buy a good seat at the Metropole and to wind up I would look in at the Admiral's Palace when the performers were min

e lookout for me; before I coul

s heavy, jerky voice. "You a

at meant, which was confirmed when m

ghway away. It always means that when a man of my position is in Berlin and somebody says to call up that number, A 11

he Wilhelmstrasse at 10.30 that night. I was to hold myself ready fo

trasse often led to some mighty unexpected and protracted traveling. Before going to sleep, however, I went over the European situation. What had loomed bi

e, this cockiness was due to the fat fingers of honest John Bull; indeed, England had more than ten fingers in this pie that was baking. I knew that the air was full of Morocco and war talk. I knew that there was a certain faction in Germany that was try

his number is important. All German secret agents are known by number, all c

ther spoke. It is an unwritten law not to hold unnecessary conversation in the Imperial Secret Service. After about half an hour's wait, we were shown into the Count's private room. This rather astonished me, for the usual rule at the Wilhelmstrasse is to interview

the middle, wheel to your right, face the portière and stand at attention. You will answer all questi

At the end of the corridor we saw two sentries; then, a big solid oak door, guarded by an attendant in the livery of the Royal Household. At a sign from the Count we halted; he knocked. The door was opened by an officer of the Erste Gaarde du Corps and, remembering our instructions, we entered and came to att

seated behind that heavy, old-fashioned

horoughly. But this began to get on my nerves. Drawn up in front of the Emperor and waiting, waiting. Contact with the great ones of the earth, especially through Secret Service, can take some almighty queer turns and a short circuit

re came a sharp, rather high pitched voic

om; obviously the mission, whatever it wa

occasions, but never so close before. He appeared to be lost in some document. He looked well but older than any of his portraits. Tanned, almost dark, his rather lean face bore a striking likeness to Frederick the Great; more so than ever, for he is getting gray. I realized that none of his portrait

ed up, and in that same, r

re you in t

years

now Mo

nd Germany quarreling over the bo

s,

in Morocco?" cont

elve mont

t the Kaiser wore the undress uniform of a Colonel of the Grenadier Guard with the star of the Order Pour

w Kaid M

s,

ou get to

id MacLean who was at that time Commander-in-Ch

please the Emperor,

of his rememberi

ated, t

memory, sire. Besides, I do not

t, evidently satisfied with my answe

Have the disp

e Kaiser, making one of his characteristic sudden movements, flu

note, which I did not immediately look at, for he continued: "Outside of Count Wedel, no one is to know anything of your mi

s,

iderably older. His face, even for the tan, had that grayish look of a man who is carrying some tremendous responsibility. It came to me swiftly, the popular clamor for w

feather would have knocked me down. So wonder Wilhelm II was staring blankly, no wonder this message had to be delivered verbally. Hurriedly

u memori

and the financiers of the world would have given hundreds of thousands of dollars to possess. Out into the hall we backed, always being careful never to commit the discourtesy of turning our faces away from the Emperor, and the last I saw of him, was that lonely figure seated at his desk, the greenish light playing over him, around and beyond him dark

ed. Wedel led the way to his private chamber. He produce

It must be there at the Rue de Lille to-morrow noon. To do so you will have to catch the Orient Express at half-past three this morning. At the Paris legation you will receive another package which you will take on to Madrid. After delivering this, you have carte blanche to make your way to the Panther, which you will find off Barcelona. Also, you will visit Gibraltar and inform yourself of the strength and state o

age on these trips. Pajamas, slippers, smoking cap, tooth brush, have seen me three-quarters around the globe, and I never carried a six-shooter in my life. In all my experience I have seen few secret agents who do

ht me that the Orient Express is generally overcrowded and that unless one reaches the depot early and uses a good deal of palm oil, it is impossible to secure a decent seat. A judicious oiling of palms enabled me to get

partment. The train was hardly in motion, however, when the woman of the party entered my compartment. She started to complain about being annoyed by the man next door and to ask my protection. As a matter of course, I got up and offered my assistance to remove her belongings into my compartment. I had, up to now, not the slightest dou

d to remove the traveling bag indicated by th

remove my wi

ss with which the sides of the compartment were framed. I noticed her make a sign to the man. Of course, this put a different li

. He was stanchly supported by the other man and by the lady who had come to me for assistance. I attempted to explain, but it didn't go down with the con

simplicity got me! When one is prepared for elaborate schemes, the simplest trick lands one high and dry. Still I could see no daylight. They could not hope to keep me on this preposterous

t official to bring about an explosion. France seemed fairly itching for a fight. My verbal message to the captain of the Panther must be delivered on schedule or the explosion might occur. I began to see what they hoped to

eleven. The station master held it up. After the party in the next compartment made their charge, we

aris. It was an official linen envelope tied with a black and white si

etain me and you do so at your own peril. That is all. I have given you the facts. I put

f discretion. I could imagine

on that train before he crosses the German border. If he isn't what he claims to be, we can catc

, I took a taxi to the German Embassy on the Rue de Lille, where an under-secretary signed for my dispatches and handed me two letters addressed to the Embassy in Madrid. I immediately posted his receipt to the Wilhelmstrasse, something German secret agents always must do--mail the Foreign Office signatures for documents as soon as they are delive

he horizon. Well named the Panther, for in this case a false spring by her meant war. As we steamed up alongside a sentry hailed us from the deck. I shouted that I had

rders to see the C

in. Picture him, a man in the forties, straight-backed, rather jolly, and with one of those German naval beards. The slightest mistake by the Ca

? What is your Wilh

en," I t

hat the Wilhelmstrasse had wired him that "Num

r first instruc

m We

equen

looking at

ing message. You are requested to use the private service code as soon as I h

oiselessly to the door, opened i

he said, "let

does not matter what official commands you have received or may receive, are you to use open force when the Panther goes to Agidir. No matter what stress is brought to be

rbal message was to stop war. Could the German "jingos," the big gun manufacturers, the shell people, the army and navy men, the powerful feudal faction have heard me deliver that message to the Captain of the Panther, they would have bellowed in rage. The whole empire wanted war, but the tired, swarthy faced man in the little u

ng there more than two weeks. You remember how a French and an English warship came simultaneously, how they formed in what was equivalent to common line and how, with officers and everybody itching to open f

al code to resist this ultimatum by force. Had he gone there acting under the original official orders, red war would have

hing, that England and France were allies, that they were prepared to resist Germany shoulder to shoulder in war. It took a master stroke to bring the situation up to the point of war--for it was a dangerous business, with all Germany roaring for war-

other out in the cold. Then began the intrigues which planned the isolation of France, an amazing situa

I

LATION

The Morocco incident had shown the German Emperor that the entente cordiale was indeed solid. England and France would stand shoulder to shoulder in war. Being used to the ways of German diplomacy, I knew that from the Wilhelmstrasse wo

st amazing of my diplomatic adventures--a mission which showed me the utter ruthlessness that char

nd myself in Count von Wedel's private study. After an invitation to be seated, the Count surprised me. He complimented me on my previous missions on the en

eying that His Majesty was satisfied. Without more ado, von Wedel plunged into th

the whole matter in hand. There is to be a meeting of certain statesmen in a certain spot in the range of the Schwarzwald. You are to be the sole attendant of these gentlemen. You'll see to it that nothing

whirl. What his words portended I could guess. Th

ering and so forth. You'll be the only attendant. Means have been taken to assure strict privacy in the district. Understand that we want this to be thoroughly cloak

re of Germany menaced, complete isolation was in the making between England, France, and Russia; and the Kaiser was about to save Germa

to me (the identical paper which has been reproduced in connec

l von Tirpitz, General von Heeringen, General Morit

t in Taunus Hills region, foretold a grave situation. Especially was this true in view of the newspapers of Europe. Here was all the press having Germany and England ready to rush at each

ign Office's invitation. Significantly these English diplomats had been

el was not

the place, in the Taunus Hills--one of the Emperor's hunting lodges. I suggest that you get down

d into comfortable togs. This mission needed some thinking out. And after I told

erman navy and army staffs, the latter a second Moltke. When I came to von Auffenberg's name I whistled. Von Auffenberg was Minister of War and the right-hand man of the Chancellor of the Austrian Empire. Thus three great powers were represented. Six men of this eminence, the brains and force of

chter. It was in the Thiergartenstrasse. Without delay I was shown into his Excellency's room. He was seate

of paper across the desk to me. It

have taken him for a Boer Dopper or an English yeoman. This suggestion was supported by his atrocious taste in fancy waistcoats. The one he had on still sticks in my memory. It was a lurid peach-blossom creation, sp

ut implying the need for utmost secrecy) he gave me certain general instructions. But from them I could gain no

party, I procured some guns and reached the station

go to Schlangenbad, look up the register. Schlangenbad is a mineral watering place in Prussia, near the Black

Moritz Ritter von Auffenberg. A distinguished, quiet, unassuming gentleman, he is known to be high in the confidence of Francis Joseph. I

ll bearded. His manner I found genial and courteous. His exact opposite was von Heeringen, thin, almost crooked of body, stoop shouldered, unusually taciturn,

dge, named Ehrenkrug. On the morning of the twelfth I hired a vehicle and, loading provisi

five or six guest rooms, a large general meeting hall, and a morning room. It being the property of the royal family, I found two old pensioners of the Imperial For

e. Indeed, they had challenged me. About three o'clock in the afternoon the German and Austrian envoys came out from the hotel, and at a quarter to fou

y age, blended into a genial mellowness. The usual English arrogance had evidently been subdued by reason of his training and cosmopolitan knowled

and action, just a bit self-conscious, Winston Churchill was the youngest member of this remarkable gat

e seen you bef

ntleman in the Bloemfontein F

Churchill, his f

d there; his recognition sh

nseness. It was obvious in the way Churchill was staring across the table at Haldane. It was an ordinary large German oak dining-room table, and in the middle were two big shaded lamps. It was growing dusk, and after lighting the lamps, I backed away to a corner of the room. I had a distinct impression of the features of the

the Austrian, as I entered: "And to make this all possible," he w

left he gazed at Churchill and Tirpitz; his careful measuring eyes then met Moritz, an expectant, slightly nervous figure at the other end of the table awaiting

to accede this point. [As I write I recall vividly how grave they had all become. They knew what this meant--war in the Balkans.] On all main points," said Kinderlen-Waechter, "we are agreed. As indicated by his Imperial Majesty, the primary reason of our meeting is to come to a tacit und

represented tentatively agreeing with Austria. The treaty, however, wa

From the general tenor of their conversation it was obvious that they all

e by the name I had taken, "gather up any pieces o

Then turning to the

you wish to keep. The rest is g

Winston Churchill should have taken the most voluminous notes, while Heeringen had not put down a line. I then gathered up eve

us learning one by one their train of thought, the thing began to piece itself together for me. There were extensive notes on army and navy matters. Churchill, for instance, had carefully noted the full strength that Austria and Germany could muster in case of war. Kinderlen-Waechter had recorded the full strength of England and Austria as given by Churchil

conversation and other pairs conversed on certain points all around the room, did I gain a clear idea of just what had happened. What they said, the vital scraps of

hout any further straining of our reserves. According to our latest agreement Austria will sup

d like "that is very satisfactory." A

ew Tirpitz aside. Churchill spoke German only indifferently, so t

tir. Of course, in the event of any outside situation arising, we shall look to Eng

ecame a lit

. "Suppose, under stress of circumstances the United State

interested in its own internal affairs that it would not be drawn into the question, and that in any event its navy woul

eep in the Balkan question, and I se

within a few months." I knew he meant that Austria would pre

got to b

he contents of certain documents before destroying them that the tremendous importance of the big stakes they were all playing for became apparent. What I sh

s that Germany possesses for the distribution of her enormous export. The congestion in both places is such that steamers wait for weeks to load. One-quarter of Germany's exports goes through Antwerp. Germany must have Antwerp. Pract

olonizer. At present all that Germany wants is markets, and facilities for extending her markets. These markets Germany will always be able to command because of her intense scientific application t

ress the English that Germany would make a powerful and valuable ally in every shape and form. Conversely, it was a threat that she would be a dangerous opponent. This is clearly understood in the English and German Cabinets. Public opinion is being rapidly educated up to this in both countries. All the war-scare talk between Germany and England has been and is only a means to

including Austria, and possibly Italy) could dictate to the r

ned it in public. Shrewd French statesmen have long kept it in the seclusion of their own minds. It wo

aned enormous sums of money. But the Japanese war and internal troubles have eliminated Russia as a high-class ally. She was at the time of the Black Forest conference but a secondary power. She is to-day

ng in the Black Forest. Germany has shown England the greater advantage of a German-English coalition, and France is frozen out. England,

circumstances this German aggression. France would fight, even though knowing it to be a losing fight. If only she would let Germany have what she wants, there would be no war. But the French temperament, public opinion, ye

e stands by Germany, will be rewarded with French Northern Africa and the Dutch East India possessions. What will become of France? Reconstruction, partitioni

BALKAN

vacation at Albeck--much like your Atlantic City only smaller--was not only welcomed but needed. I was just settling down to a period of quiet in and around the Kurhaus when there came

the air else I would never have been recalled from a vacation that was only beginning. Wiring a reply I stated that I would arrive in Berlin on the 7.30 train an

gave me the clew. I marshaled past events and ran them over in my mind. I knew that the Kaiser's diplomatic master stroke undermining the

knew that as a result of this, Russia was again at work in the Balkans. Greeks, Servians, Bulgarians, and Montenegrins, up till now suicidal enemies, were arriving at an understanding. There are as many differences of nationalities, castes and opinions in the Balkans as there are in India and it took clever manipulation, much money, and strenuous efforts on the part of Russia to unite these countries under Russian influence. The visi

s the wish to gain Dacia through the addition of Transylvania, Bukovina and the Banate of Ternesvar. This longing can easily be understood when one remembers that each of these States maintains royal court legati

ped in a way totally beyond the means of such little countries. Who was supplying this driving f

ngs; the success of the Balkan Allies. Then the most amazing part of it all. Turkey, well thrashed, lost little save a few islands in the ?gean Sea, some of which it has already regained. T

the door. I found Kim very much awake and somewhat excited. At this unseemly hour there was a visitor! This was all th

o see you. Kim him don't know if he do right, maybe wr

w him to be Herr von Stammer, the right hand man of von Wedel. Although we were well known to each other by sight, we hardly conversed ten words outside of official business. At the time I thought it a li

here, Doctor," said Herr von Stammer. "

gine what a battle a stran

d as the Count is inaccessible, your

tion, for Kim had app

own to us. But we want definitely to find out just how far Russian influences are at work in Bucharest and Sofia, just how far they have progressed and how far they are prepared to go in this Balkan affair. If you cannot get in Belgrade the want

deed wa

to take any of them with you, as all the Austrian agents are known to the Russian agents down in the Balkans. I suggest that you stop at Budapest and get all connect

aid

o facilitate matters. It is necessary for you to have passports.

d Queen Draga of Servia--an incident I don't like to think of, for it landed me on a blan

re my mission would take me. Were I to meet him it would mean recognition, a possible knife in the back. No, I was in no way keen to undertake this mission. My previous experience in the Balkans and all that ilk had given me a thorough distaste of the peo

us abo

was. I t

nths solid and I wanted a rest.] "I beg of you to consider though that yo

three or four weeks and he had agreed to pay me $2,500, aside from the bonus always attached to successful and quick work. Still, I wasn't sure that I wanted to go. I knew there was the danger of recognition, and I knew the kind of irresponsible, hotheaded, temperamental people I was going among. It was far more difficult, far more hazardous, than any mission I

at momentous times of indecision of taking two full packages of cards and playing Napoleon's solitaire. If I get it out once in three times, I gen

play. I got it out the second time. Going to the 'phone I called von Stammer and told him I would undertake the mission. He asked me to

alsky. From him I gained points that were invaluable to me. For instance, he gave me the names of men who frequented certain places in Belgrade, men who would be of use to me. He also

ney is the first and last word in the Balkans. Belgrade and everybody in it pride themselves on their up-to-date Parisian style. Everybody lives in the Parisian way. Army officers, whose pay is infinitesimal, all live like Russian Grand Dukes. How they are able to manage this on the official Servian army salaries of 65 ce

vivant and gambler, was Major Schuvealoff, with the tastes of a Grand Duke. On a mission of this kind a secret agent always likes to find a man who is "fast." I knew th

ost to others but I was careful never to win from him. He fell into the way of dropping around at my quarters. Like most of his set, the Major was a heavy drinker. When his face would become ve

o guess that she was extremely fond of him. I made it my business to cultivate her acquaintance, for experience had often shown me that where gold and myself failed, a pair of flashing eyes and other felicities w

was perfect. She looked French, her mannerisms were French. Still I wasn't satisfied. In a case like this, it is wise to be suspicious of every one. I began to make the most delicate inquiries. In conversation

unity to discover some little thing that would either confirm her French claims or confirm my suspicions. I kept my eyes open, but they could find nothing that would show any connecti

s and violets with their fragrance and natural taste in a champagne-colored, crystal substance, the nature of which is a secret. Made solely by Demitrof and Sons of Mo

o place her. I procured two snapshots of her and a specimen of her handwriting. These I forwarded to the chief of the sections in Vienna and Berlin, with a request to wire any possible information about her. Within forty-eight hours I had a repl

Valon to be alone. After presenting her

hange from C

ad the desired effect. She recoiled. To your high American standards of chivalry, it may seem brutal to take advan

ieu! Who

at and a good deal more. Austria would be very

covered to

r price for

epl

n me the information I seek and

surprise

nothing at all

where there was a silver tray

about Russia, yet have acquired a taste for the

it he

do you

t be understood that there is to be no double dealing here. It wou

do that in

I would come downstairs to be slapped in the face before a hotel full of peop

ed. You will be arrested on an Imperial Austrian warrant. Your friends in here, army officers, though they are, will not dare to help you. Servia will not

e gave me w

half-willing to sell out Russia, but he fears your supervision. I know that you were sent here by Russia, Paula, just to keep your eye on agents in Russian pay, principally on our friend Schuvealoff. I know you have not the situation in hand like he has. If you had, I wouldn't bother going any further, I

k seemed to bear the most

that you'll keep your

he simple reason I

rouble about other things. I'll promise you, however, no further interference for this affair in Crakau. There will also be the price of a

back to the hotel well sati

chovealoff was shown into my chamber. I greeted

alon has confe

sta

id you

ic seashore. If you have anything to say to me, say it quickly, and to the point. I leave this afternoon for Vienna. It may interest you to know that you are absolutely safe. I put no stop t

rep

little abou

ok my

s you do of them here. I want the whole or nothing. As Mlle. Valon--Paula--doubtles

ff it out, he told me what I w

rmies of the Allies. Most of the leading officers and men of affairs of the Allies were in the Russian pay. In fact, a systematic Russianization was in progress. The armies of the Allies were being equipped with a new kind of Fren

esults of my mission showed beyond all doubt the urgent need for Germany and Austria to begin their machinations to off-set the rising power of Russia in the

via and Montenegro with a Russian dominance would have played a solid factor in the policies of Germany, Austria and England. It would have interfe

rols the situation in the Balkans. Who is the power holding this key to the situation? Germany and Austria. The appearance of an army on Roumania's southwestern frontier would have made a vast difference in

h machinations producing tangible results in Bulgaria, Servia, Montenegro and Albania met with only indifferent success in Roumania. If Russian persuasion and gold could have induced Roumania to throw her armies into the field against the Turk, the map of the Balkans would show some mighty changes. A Roumanian army corps, menacing Turkey's northwestern frontier during her struggle with the Balkan Allies, would certainly have seen the occupation of Constantinople by the allied

d not come as a surprise. Bulgaria alone had enough successes against the Turk to warrant great acquisitions of territory, so

unter influence of Germany and Austria. The result is well known. Servia was jealous of Bulgaria; Bulgaria was jealous of Montenegro; Greece was jealous of the lot and Roumania, instigated by her wirepullers, would not permit any of them to have anything. But through sheer exhaustion and disgust and a stoppa

s in central Europe. A million soldiers co?perating with Russia would in the event of a European war take practically the whole of the Austrian forces, leaving Germany the sole care of the Russian battalions, which would mean quite half her available fighting force, weakening her operations by that half on her Franco and lowland border. As it stands now, the Balkans eliminated for

lkans, but among the gay extravagant army offic

AND BETRAYA

rmany, Austria and England in the Taunus, that rushed on through the intrigues that preceded the Balkan War, had now lulled, gathering its forces perhaps for the final catastrophe, the general war of all the Powers, which may come this year--or next. To be sure the terms that

news, this, as you will see. In the usual curt yet polite manner of German officers, the Captain introduced me to three naval experts. One was a construction officer, another in the signaling department, the third, an expert on explosives and mines. One at a time they took me in hand, grooming me in the intricacies of their respective fields. It was like a rehearsal in the grooming I had received year

ission to England was to watch the preparations and maneuvers

hlangenbad. Politicians had worked up a war scare to such pitch that the people of the two nations were ready to rush into conflict. Only a spark was needed to fire the situation. Realizing that under the menace of existing conditions, the unforeseen might happen, the Kaiser was not le

tinguish the British ships by name. But knowing the silhouettes of all the naval types--for example, certain kinds of dreadnaughts, powerful cruisers, torpedo boat destroyers--I would be able to tell what ships were putting to sea. When I had memorized all the charts, they covered the names of the battle ships thereon and made me repeat

ons--it would be necessary to calculate distances, to take observations on the exact nature of the newly reco

Britain's answer to Germany's powerful naval base at Helgoland. So far as Germany's northern coasts are concerned, the Scottish coast is the most convenient point of attack for Great Britain. Fearing the unforeseen spark firing the hostile minds of the people of the two nations, Germany was thus prepari

ngent law just passed, made this mission very dangerous as far as your liberty was concerned. There was no danger of a knife thrust as in the Balkans, but there was of jail. Contrary to all precepts of British law, there had

ger the safeguards of Great Britain can be found guilty notwithstanding there being no consequent

em. Knowing this and also knowing the general efficiency of England's public servants and system, I was rather loath to stick my head into it. That penalty for being caught--seven years' penal servitude--loomed ominously, for penal servitude in England is plain hell. Also, I knew that although no passports are required in England, they still know pretty well w

. Arrangements had been made with the Intelligence Department to transmit telegrams to addresses in Brussels, Copenhagen and Paris. In the event of the Brussels channel of communication being closed, I could resort to either of the others. The Brussels address was C. V. Noens, Rue de Venise, 34. Noens had instructions to forward

beck and call during a mission to Copenhagen, I knew him to be in German pay. Marie Blanche, who c

closely watched. The general traveler does not know that every Dover, Calais and Flushing Express is met and watched not only by Scotland Yard detectives but by special government officers. As a rule, very little escapes them. Anyone not an Englishman is upon landing likely t

tralia. My "stunt" was to convey the impression of being an Australian physician taking additional post-graduate courses at the famous Scottish seat of medical learning. After a few days' residence at the Bedford, I installed

ndings, I made frequent trips to the Firth of Forth upon which was located the Rossyth base. Now across the Firth there is a long bridge. It is between the Rossyth ba

o know. For this he received no money and he was not a traitor to his country. Through the little acquaintance I struck up with him, I was able to make a thorough study of the bridge and its structure--a strategic point, the bridge. Also, through the offices of my good

sonal contact with men who actually knew every inch of the ground. The charts back in Berlin could not give me that exact information. The higher scientific data of

in the morning a gray, rainy, foggy morning, through which the ships moved almost ghost-like, I made out sixteen war vessels. From their silhouettes, I knew them to be dreadnaughts, cruisers, and torpedo boat destroyers. At once I

me during my trial, give them gratis, this information. The Firth of F

ys impossible to blow up the Firth of Forth Bridge and bottle all war vessels concentrated at the Rossyth base. They could thus be bottled up for several d

dge were two pieces of ground and houses in reality owned by Germans although the deeds stood in Scottish names. Moreover, little fishing hamlets on either side of the bridge harbored more than one supposed Swedis

t I noticed that my dress suit was arranged in a different way to what I had left it. I ca

t reason have you then

ned and she se

"I remember now. I believe the tailor w

got as much out of me as she could and then afterwards declared in court th

nd F," a well-known caterer on Prince's Street. In the writing-room I wrote some letters, one of which I purposely dropped on the floor. I withdrew to the washroom and returning in about fifteen minutes noticed that the letter h

eek. For they, or whoever spent their time translating my lett

dinburgh. I asked for Chief Constable Ross, and sent in my card bearing Dr. A. K. Graves, Turo, S. Australia. Pres

on to believe that

had knocked hi

rtled. "I don't know an

r orders then th

y not," h

hat anything of such importance wo

to believe that you we

y against English law, a warrant being necessary for such procedure. If you have any reason to take me to be a German spy, go right ahead now,

s became serious, a

I'm quite satisfied though that there has been a

bit. Right along I communicated by cables and letter with Berlin and went the even tenor of my way. About a week after my experience with Constable Ross, I rece

detail how this was done, but you have a very expressive American saying, "money talks." I had the plans, firing systems, everything of interest about the new fourteen-inch turret guns. While in Glas

t is my lett

demurred a

ose circumstances I cannot hand you thi

ot to James but to A. Stafford. All my previous letters were addressed to me as Dr. A. K. Graves and were enclosed in the business envelope of the well-known chemical firm of Burroughs & Wellcome, Snowhills, London, E. C.--which paper had been fabricated for the purpose. Of course the letters were sent from th

nd to address them to James Stafford, G. P. O., Glasgow. The first two letters were addressed correctly and plain envelopes were

opened and found to contain a typewritten letter in the German language and five ten-pound notes on

to the upstairs writing-room. I was awaiting a party of gentlemen who were

man downstairs to

o avoiding it. Secret Service makes a man a fatalist. I took the precaution, however, to slip inside my dinner coat just under the arm, my little bag of chemicals, so often hand

their faces and escaped, but I knew I could never get outside of the British Isles without being caught--outside of Glasgow for that matter. Such resistance would only incrim

ow," Inspector

lephone and the Inspector, hurrying to the wire, p

on paper a description of all my effects that were being taken away by the police. I was extremely careful to see that they noted and described all papers and written matters of any kind. There are often produced in court documents that are not found on a Secret Service agent at the time of his arrest. Inspector French--I recall him as an uncouth, illiterate bungler who subsequently tried to get a lot of publicity out of my ar

f's court. Waiving preliminary examination, I was committed for trial to the Edinburgh High Court. It is significant that the extreme length of a committal without trial under Britis

the trial. I had no defense. I neither denied nor admitted anything. I replied to his Lordship that as I was u

newspapers of the time you will read that my trial was "the most s

plain how, why and by whom I was secretly released. Until I revealed mysel

m all parts of Europe--for all Europe was vitally concerned in this trial--was represented. My memory shows me again the crowds that packed the big supreme court building at Edinburgh o

al of Scotland, A. M. Anderson, who prosecuted for the crown, was supported by G. Morton, Advocate Deputy.

Before him walked a mace bearer, intoning "Gentlemen, the Lord Justice! Gentlemen, the Court!" After the impressive ceremonies had been observed, the jury was quickly empaneled, I making several challenges. Twelve years in the Secret Service naturally has made me know something

to guard my interest on legal points; and guard it he did. Repeatedly he ruled against the Solicitor General and cha

, did not make much of a showing as an expert witness for the prosecution. The Admiral was called in on testimony concerning the new fourteen-inch gun. The point they were trying to establish was that it was impossible for a man to have my knowledge of these guns unless he had obtained it first hand from the works in Glasgow. Of course that brought the testimony into technicalities. I managed to involve the Admiral in a heated a

itish Government to have any more qu

y at Beardmore to obtain the things I knew. Subsequently after being cros

as the defendant's to be able with very little data to arrive

ral, I made it my business to see those young ladies in Glasgow. What an interest they took in you--a great Admiral! It is you, Admi

fects was introduced as ev

3.5 guns F, Navy. Length 51 feet, weight 73 tons. One foot longer than 12-inch, b

ositive that I would not be found guilty on the charge of obtaining secret

refreshments from the judge's own table with his Lordship's compliments

that had been refused me and had in turn gone back to the Chemical Company. Very gravely Sir Anders

r S

to send us an early sample. As regards the other matter in hand I do not know how useful

s uns

otes in his hand. Upon finishing he began a vigorous

ber that in communications of this sort a government was always referred to as a 'firm.' If this was an honest business letter why was it enclosed in the envelope stationery of a company that

the jury, the newspapers, but all England

ade in Glasgow. Some of that explosive was in my possession. The fact that it was not discovered in my effects, nor was anything else incriminating found on me is because the Secret Ag

er business at hand" was spoken of as of tremendous importance, more vital

rvice number. I took up their points with Berlin. Well, the "other business in hand" was to put a certain British army officer under a monthl

not impress a hard-headed Scotchman. I was feeling in high spirits indeed, when I saw one of the attendants approach Sir Anderson and deliver a document that

roduced two pieces of thin paper--the same that

ressively, "the most deadly code ever prepa

se, fortification and strategic point, in Great Britain. There were over ten thousand names and

llcome letter that got me caught in the first place. And my secret code was written in a book i

book were used, then the edges of the pages were pasted together. Whenever I learned the British warships were going to put to sea, I slipped the book in my pocket, went to a

ecessary words were fille

tment of the German Admiralty in Berlin and told them what warships were pu

ns are manned." "Protective maneuvers are being carried out at sea." "Coal being carried by rail." "Remarkable inf

er argument. I called no witness for the defense except two or

edge of my attitude

of any foreign government I certainly had never shown

ty of endangering the safeguards of the British Empire and under the new law that had been aimed against German spies

appeared and was courteously, almost impressively, conducted to the bench. I noticed that the Chief Justice bowed to him with unction and

ce, his Lordshi

sideration, the court pronounces a sen

ed and

gaard Kar

around me, especially among the foreign newspaper reporters. With everybody expecting se

ng the circumstances, I was treated with surprising consideration. The conditions that had characterized my trial prevailed in

--You must have something worth

talks with me from the ward

as denied the House of Commons upon th

entered I saw a slight, soldierly looking English gentleman of the cavalry type--(a cavalry offic

a gentleman who w

dded to the Gov

while. You have

ht, sir," repli

and we were alone.

nson, Doctor. Pl

a prisoner, I had

n some casual

they trea

complaint

inement irks

raight in the face. "I am a

ress me as Captain. Wherefor th

s types of army officers not to be able to detect a British

ling his way in this manner. Then suddenly

t us. We also know that you are not a German. Is there any

y or a liberty reason alone is never entertained by a man who has been in my work. We go into it w

looked at me v

, all the time you were doing your work, even after your arrest, in prison and in court you show a sort of listless, almost an indifferent attitude. If I may put it this way, you seemed in n

rin

urprises m

became ve

s a quasi-deliberate intention on the part of

s why I played my cards so quietly, why I did not accomplish in Engla

tiations. But I am rather deaf and my vision is very mu

ptain

, I may see y

you will. But let it be understood, please, that

me," he said an

nney I had been playing a part. When the occasion demanded I could be as cool as I was with Captain Robinson. But that was a strain and it to

in the evening after all the prisons were shut up tight. The Lieutenant-governor himse

l sixteen months of your sentence to serve. Are you willing to give these sixteen months of your time to us--terms to be agreed upon

fairs that I was dangerous. To betray me in such a way that I would not suspect and squeal was a

gest that we go ab

nd Edinburgh was that my health is rather indifferent. So it is also believed here in the prison. On those grounds it should be an easy matter for you to have me ostensibly transferre

with my own ideas and plans." Presently h

took a taxicab for the Caledonian Station in Glasgow. Few people were abroad in Glasgow at that time of day and there was no danger of recognition. The trip to London was uneventful. At Euston Station we were met by Captain Robinson. We went into a private waiting-room

d there have disappeared. Obviously t

Hotel. Opening the envelope in my rooms, I found it

to-morrow morning, t

that day at one o'clock at the Imperial Hotel. There another gentleman joined us--a Mr. Morgan, whom I easily judged and afterwards knew

ers wishes to see

sign, I was ushered into an anteroom and Robinson took his leave. My name appears on this book as Trenton Snell, and if the English government challenges a statement that I shall

for what followed is o

-in-and-slam-out methods of the Wilhelmstrasse, I was shown up a flight of stai

ing Sir E

oks, memorandas, letters and dispatch cases littered not only the desk but the tables and chairs. The eye was str

ded and pulling open a drawer took from it a folder that, as subsequent events verified, I suspected to be a report on me. There was another period during which he seemed to be unaware of my presence, and I took advantage of it to size up my man. He impressed me as being one of those intolerable, typically English icicles, which only that nation seems ab

ng his finge

familiar with Germa

certain p

t?" he ask

e Intelligence Department o

it so extensive and efficient

not be ex

ich I replied in like vein. The interview was not prog

ers are selling or negotiating to sell info

r officials, I knew what he meant, but I ma

e such,"

king him look at me in

ounds do you make that assertion?

from plans that have been secured--plans like those of your battleships Queen Mary and Ajax--it is

een Mary and Ajax. He fell to studying a rather voluminous report; then he began anew with his innuendoes. I guessed w

als? Were you, for instance, at the Schlangenbad meeting? Hav

this coincidence to his Lordship. Naturally I told him I possessed no such data. Still I did not like the trend of his talk. I began to suspect that this British Minister was doing one of two things. Either he did not know everything about the Black Fores

ngland's, these being based upon my personal observations. This, and the whole trend of his thought, led me to suspect that Sir Edward Grey was in noway

the contents of any personal dispatche

, "if the German Emperor ever co

s,

d forwar

der what ci

wledge that they often corres

communications between them, c

ge of this, although

ound again and his hint

h true British discourtesy he abruptly began working at something on h

o on my first mission in the interests of the British Secret Service and subsequent

YORK FO

ey and my work in London and other points in the British Isles was not so arduous as to prevent my taking frequent holidays. I judged that Downing Street was holding me for something big should the occasion arise. In London, my chief work for a time was counteracting the m

go-between for Downing Street in closing the bargain for my release from Barlinney Prison. Robinson, an e

HEERINGEN A

ured largely in Germany's war p

Canada or the Western States for the shooting; and when these gentlemen leave Europe on these little "vacations" they are generally shadowed, or attempts are made to shadow them. In the course of a few days after the English foreign office learned of the supposed meeting of German and Japanese agents to be held in America, I received official instructions. They were sharp and very much to the point. I was to find out what the meeting in the United States was about, and, if possible,

theless to Germany I had to go to locate my man. It must be understood that the big missions of Secret Service are accomplished by many co?perating agencies. True, Great Britain had been rather slow in perfecting a continental system of espionage, but by 1913 the machinery w

r. Exercising infinite care and tremendous patience--for should I be recognized in Berlin, the German Foreign Office would have been thrown into consternation: "What's this? A man we believed s

all the way from Berlin to Bremen. Now, whenever I have carried a document of any description while traveling for any length of time, I have always let my hand wander toward its hiding place to assure myself that it was still there. Sometimes I fished in my pockets for a match, or used any pretext to locate the paper without betraying myself. There is not a human being who will not give some litt

on the other side, and by a judicious use of my favorite "palm oil" I secured them. It was imperative now to board the steamer and keeping out of sight until she left port. I had m

and when I finally got at it, I found no document. Obviously the dispatch box was a blind. Herr Schmidt was not guilty of a single piece of carelessness that would betray the hiding place of the dossier. All this

lmstrasse, and back would be flashed a message to the captain of the Kaiser Wilhelm II authorizing any action Schmidt deemed advisable. Thus could he easily put me under custody on some trumped-up charge. Still, there was no risk involved in watching Schmidt to locate a possible confederate who was carrying

not necessitate my striking up an acquaintance with the man. On the contrary to disarm him of all possible suspicions I shunned him. I even contrived not to sit at Herr

ht it unwise to risk a reply. So I kept in the dark waiting for my chance. During the voyage nothing had occurred to arouse the suspicions of Herr Schmidt and he began to relax his vigil

precept with me: "Give me a hard drinker or a man who is fast and I'll land him nine times out of ten." Well, the baggage master was no exception. I decided to ply him with liquor to make his tongue run away. I m

e lady and I. We're going to set up in business. Do

on; I had been waiting fo

o buy a hotel eh? There must b

winked

r Bay of New York. Well, some of those fancy rich people always want to do a bit of smuggling and don't declare lots of things. I have known that for years. What do I do?" Becoming boastful, he patted the stewardess

l tell my friend. Aren't

ce more to

nks. Then I get at their baggage and give it a smash, accidentally of course--things are apt to be broken in the hold you know, the boat pitching, carelessness by the porters and all

ly as if to prai

l the declarations. The fancy folks are standing round their baggage w

ealskin co

p and pol

nothing about a sealskin coat on her dec

can say nothing. Finish! Ah yes, your old

l. It was just what I wanted. When the ship

age of Carl Schmidt for ten minutes. I

that could not be done. If it were

that kiste," I sa

man attempte

little ingenious piece of graft to tell a pretty story at the North Germa

ddle with the chest until the liner was steaming into port, for were Schmidt to discover that his luggage had been tampered with and the dispatch abstracted, since by the

s in any way suspicious during the trip over, Herr Schmidt had become very easy in mind. With many of the other passengers be went forward and from the deck wat

e customs man to pass upon it. This done, Schmidt was guilty of an unwarrantable piece of carelessness. He tipped the baggage master and left him to lock up the kiste while he went up on the promenade deck to enjoy the view. This did n

ing waiting their turn, acting entirely as if it were my own, I opened the unlocked kiste and rummaging among its contents soon brought to light a plain, large envelope sea

nd, I did not want to steal the document, merely its contents. Now, in the brief minutes that I had beside the luggage,

a quick clean print of anything written in pencil or ink. As I lifted the dossier from the kiste I noticed that it was embossed on a greenish white paper, not unlike a bank of England note i

l lotion paper and took an accurate print by sitting on it for two minutes. I then replaced the document in the dispatch envelope and being sure to l

all danger of this, however, for nothing had occurred to alarm Herr Schmidt. The lotion paper used by the German Secret Service has been perfected to such an extent that when taking the print it does not leave an

teamship offices. At Fourteenth Street and Broadway I entered a Western Union office a

ry 12,

ng, L

Will take to-morrow night's steamer Queenstown. Not suffic

TON

hrough the medium of the New York American that a copy of this dispatch was secured from the

Fourteenth Street office the ne

g., Februa

ton

. 14

ossible, come London, c

INS

accompanies Cable r

er of Trenton Snell from "Rob Robinson" London. Now being on alien territory, I refrained from sending a copy of the stolen dispatch by cable. There would be no aid of secrecy from the cable company. I had planned to enclose t

ng, L

from Canada. Br

TON

the official diplomatic form. Rather it appeared to be a note of memoranda and instruction that was to guide the German envoys in their meeting with the Japanese--which meeting was subsequently held at the Hotel Astor, in New York City, a

t obstruct the acquiring of coaling stations in the South Seas other than New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago. Germany would no

n, Germany will maintain a strict neutrality in any event not affecting Germany itself. Germ

ometimes the way the Kaiser O. K.'s any diplomatic document. In any event it had a re

and Japan. It was simply an agreement by Germany not to intervene in any colonization scheme of the Japanese in the islands of the Pacific. In return for this it was understood that Japan

the next few years. The Japanese question is fostered by Europe to keep America's hands full in the event of the coming European war. It is all bluff and occasionally Japan must be rewarded for keeping up the bluff. In this instance Germany permitted Japan to colonize and permitted her to buy all the German ships she wanted with the exception of th

I

MAN WAR

would in the event of war be controlled from Berlin--a force in round numbers of 9,000,000 men is, however, not known. Here for the first time is published an account of the inside workings of the German War Machine as far as is possible for any one man to give. Th

, perfect and smooth working is due to the total absence of political machinations or preferences. Brains, ability, and thorough scientific knowledge are the only passports for entrance in the Grosser General Stab, the General Staff of the German Empire. You will find blooded young officers and gray-haired generals past active efficiency, experts ranking from an ordinary mechanic to th

poleon through his fondness for pretty women let himself be tricked by Louise of Prussia. The interesting historical story of this incident may be apropos here, showing how the world's history can be changed through a kiss. At the Peace Conference in Tilsit, Napoleon, on the verge of disintegrating Prussia, met the beautif

,000 men permitted Prussia under the Napoleonic decree and drilled them. No sooner were those men drilled than they were dismissed and another 12,000 called in. From this point dates modern conscription--the father of which was General Stein--and this also inaugurated the birth of

a record of increasing efforts, entailing unbelievable hard work and a compilation of the minutest details. The modern system of organization,

to have an army of 30,000 lead soldiers with which he plays the moment he opens his eyes--much in the same manner as Moltke, who used to request his chess-board the first thing in the morning. In military circles Heeringen is looked upon with the same respect and accredited with quite as much strategical knowledge as Moltke was. It

a gaunt, limping figure, covered in a gray army greatcoat with no distinguishing marks, stalking along. Accompanied by orderlies carrying camp stools and table, night glasses and electric torches, halting repeatedly, hidden men taking down in writing the short, croaking sen

b" who sends its most able officers to Berlin. These officers in conjunction with the most able scientists, engineers and architects the Empire can

he Chef of Grossen General Stab; to the left his Minister of War; then the Minister of Railways, and the Chief of Admiral Stab. You will notice the total absence of the Ministers of Finance and Diplomacy. When those

another

eneral von Heeringen on leaving his quarters for his usual drive in the Th

eht's los?" ("

utes and without pause, limping to

eine Herren!" ("Seven

means the Emperor's signature, Wil

of four and one-half million men, in the shortest possible time on any given point in either eastern or western Europe. For let it be clearly understood that the main point of the training of the German armies is the readiness to launch the entire

ganiz

nsport

tualiz

telli

ivided into numerous branches which we s

NIZA

is composed of three distinct parts: the

t from two to four months of their time. This is by no means a charity on the part of the authorities, but a well-thrashed and deep-laid scheme to circumvent the Reichstag as it gives the Emperor another 75,000 men. A certain class of men passing an examination called Einjahriges Zeugniss or possessing a diploma called Abiturienten Examen (the equivalent of a B. A.) serve only one year in each branch. This class provides most of the reserve officers. The active officers, usually the scions of an aristocratic house or the sons of the old military or feudal families in Germany, are mostly educated in one of the state Kadetten-Anstalten, military academies, of which Gross-Lichterfelde bei Berlin is the most famous. The real backbone and

ties for noncompliance are high even in peace times. In the event of war or martial law they are absolutely stringent. The commandos are so placed that they could forward their drafts of men and material to their provincial concentration points at the quickest possible notice. These provincial concentration points, being railway centers, are so located that the masses of men and materials pouring in from all sides can be handled and sent in the wanted and needed direction without any congestion. How this is done I shall explain when I come to transportation. In each of those district commandos are depots, Montirungs-Kammern (ar

ience and efficiency are demanded. Mutual jealousies and political tricks such as we have seen in the Russian campaign in the East and lately in France are impossible in the German system, for the Emperor would brea

sing, for quietly and unobtrusively 6,000,000 marks in newly minted gold coins are taken year by year and added to the store. On the first of October each year since 1871, three ammunition wagons full of bright and glittering twenty-mark pieces clatter over the drawbridge and these pieces are stored away in the steel-plate subterranean chambers of the Julius Thurm, ready at an instant's notice to furnish the sinews to the man wielding this force.

t purpose is war. Needless to say, it is amply guarded. Triple posts in this garrison town, devices to flood instantly the whole under fifteen feet of water from the river Havel, are but items in the system of protection. Twice a year the Emperor in person, or his heir apparent, person

SPOR

ersonal courage, stamina, elan, or whatever you wish to call it, is fairly equal also. There is little difference in the individual prowess of French, Russian, English, and German soldiers. This is well known to military experts. The difference is mainly a question of discipline, technique, and preparedness, the main factor being, as indicated, the ability to throw the greater number of

years, has been constructed mainly for strategical reasons. Taking Berlin as the center you will find on looking at a German, more especially a Prussian, railroad map, close similarity to a spider's web. From Berlin you will see trunk lines extending in an almost direct route to her French and Russian frontiers. Not single or dou

time, especially at tense political moments, at every large strategical railway center in Germany there are a certain number of trucks and

sportation and railway experts on the General Staff would take over the direction of affairs. Besides this, there exists in the German standing army a number of Eisenbahn Regimenter (railway corps)--all trained railroad builders and mechanics. Elabor

n to the little traffic passing along. They are simply strategical arteries kept up by the state for military purposes. The heads of the transportation and railway corps in Berlin sit before the huge glass-covere

lway system when a General Staff Officer entered the signal hall and made inquiries as to the whereabouts of a certain train having a regiment on board destined to a certain part of the maneuver field. One of the operators through the s

l motor vehicles, taxis, and trucks owned either privately or by corporations be called upon if considered necessary. Through this vast and far-reaching system of trans

UALI

ar, especially to a country like Germany which is somewhat dependent on outside sources for the feeding of her millions. The authorities, quite aware of a possible blockading and consequent stoppage of imports, have made preparations with their usual thorough German completeness. At any given time there is suf

ar below their usual market prices to the poorer classes, notably farmers. Likewise the material used by the army is as far as possible supplied by the farmer direct. T

which case the onus of feeding the troops would fall on the enemy, called in military parlance "requisitioning and commandeering." In this, German,

seasoning, compressed in a dry state into air- and water-tight tubes in the form of a sausage, each weighing a quarter of a pound. Highly nutritious, light in weight, practically ind

LLIG

eneral science, especially strategy, topography, ballistics, but mainly the procuring of information data, plans, maps, etc., kept more or less secret by other powers. In this division the brightest young officers

more accurate knowledge of a foreign country than that country had of itself. It is a notorious fact that, after the defeat of the French armies at Weissenburg and Worth and later at Metz, the French commanders and officers lost valuable time and strategical positions through sheer ignorance of their own country. This is i

incolnshire. Not a hummock, road, road-house, even to farmers' residences and blacksmith's shop of which he did not have exact knowledge. I expressed astonishment at this most unusual acquaintance with the locality, and suggested that he must have spent considerable time in residence there. Conceive my astonishment when informed that he had never been out of Germany and the only voyage ever taken by him led him as far as Helgoland. Subsequently through careful inquiries and research--my work bringing me into constant contact with the various divisio

e British Navy, down to Colonel Ribault, in charge of a battery in Toulouse. To military or naval officers and men of affairs, the reason and benefit of such a system are obvious. The general reader, however, may not quite see the point. The position of a commander in the field is analogous to the executive head of a big sellin

RI

ideas most important factor has entered and disturbed the relati

pelin-Parseval sky monster that, carrying a complement of twenty-five men and twelve tons of explosives, sailed across the North Sea, circled over London, and returned to Germany. Lilienthal's glider kept aloft four minutes, but this new dreadnaught of Germany's dying navy was al

f the sky. I shall disclose facts about her system that have never appeared in print--that have never been h

r the building and maintenance of twelve dirigibles of Zeppelin type. As far as the knowledge of the rest of the world is concerned this

station near Berlin. The exact places are Strassburg, Frankfort-on-the-Main, Posen, Wilhelmshafen, and Berlin. This does not include the marvelous station at Helgoland in the North Sea, this being a stra

f the public. Like Germany's commercial steamers, however, they are controlled and subsidized by the Government. At a few hours' notice they can be converted and made use of for

f know, as well as trusted men in the a?rial corps, that there are two conditions under which airships are operated in Germany. One is the ordinary more or less well-known system which characterizes the operation of all the passenger lines now in s

d these always secretly. It has been proved to be effective in eliminating 75 per cent. of the accidents which have characterized all o

the desirable length of time without coming down. The secret devices of the German War Office have eliminated all these objectionable features. They have overcome the condition of bulk and heaviness of structure by their government chemists devising the formula of a material that is lighter tha

experiments made with it. It cannot be used for illuminating purposes. Dirigibles that are equipped with it are not liable to the awful explosions that have characterized flights under the ordinary system. The new gas has also the enormous advantage of having a liquid form. To produce the gas it is only necessary to let the ordinary atmosp

raveled under severe weather conditions, the month being March, and snow-storms, hail and rain occurring throughout the voyage. The significance of this flight can be easily understood if you consider the distance from Strassburg or Düsseldorf to Paris or other strategical points to France is approximately 298 miles. A ship like the Zeppelin X could sail over the French bo

e men in the General a?rial corps are exceptionally high. In fact they are the highest paid in the German army. They are not ordinary enlisted men, meaning that they serve only their two years' time. Most of them have agreed to serve a lengthy term. Married men are not encouraged to enroll in this branch of the service. It is obvious from the nature of the work that the hazards are often great. The wonderful system of t

yards of the station. The solitary approach is guarded by a triple post of the marine guard. If you walk toward the station, before you come within a hundred yards of the guard, you will find large signs setting forth in unmistakable and terse language that dire and sw

d wire a tall octagonal tower meets the eye. In this tower are installed two powerful searchlights as well as a complete wireless outfit. All the Zeppelins carry wireless. By means of elaborate reflectors, it is possible with the searchlights to flood the whole place with daylight in the middle of the night. Thus ascensions can be made safely at any hour of the twenty-four. The three oblong sheds stand in a row, the middle being the largest, having spaces fo

more than two years ago--I saw the evidence of another shed about to be built. At the station is the most efficient meteorological department of all the stations. The most up-

red elsewhere; so with the big guns. There is no longer any need for them. As I stated, I saw a fourth big balloon shed in the course of construction. I have not been on the island for two years. Nobody has been near the extreme eastern end except those closely identif

f Helgoland in exchange for some East African concessions. Helgoland is now the key and guard of Germany's main artery of commerce, being the key to Hamburg. With the dirigible station of Helgoland to guard her, Hamburg is impregnable and on England's northern coast they h

capacity; the perfecting of the Diesel motor, giving enormous consumption (fifty of these Diesel engines, their workings secret to the German Government, are stored under guard at the big navy yards at Wi

s, fuel, and provisions left to keep aloft another thirty-six hours. The distance all told covered on one of these trips was 1,180 kilometers. This fact speaks for itself. The return distance from Helgoland to London, or any midland towns in England, corresponds with the mileage covered on recent trips. In the event of hostilities between England and Germany, this s

have it on good authority that the new Zeppelins can carry double that quantity of explosive if

in warm, comfortable quarters, ready to drop explosives to the ground. The half informed man--and there appear to be many such in European cabinets, which recalls the proverb about a little knowledge being a dangerous thing--likes to say that a flock of a?roplanes can put a dirigible out of business. Consider now an a?roplane at an elevation of 6,000 feet and remember that the new Zeppelins have gone thousands of feet higher. An aviator at 6,000 feet is so cold that he is practically useless for anythin

e clouds. The X 15, sailing over London, could drop explosives down and create terrible havoc. They don't have to aim. They are not like aviators trying to drop a bomb on the deck of a warship. They simply dump overboard some of the new explosive of the German Government, these new chemicals having the property of setting on fire anythin

hese matters. The strenuous efforts on the part of this Empire to increase its dirigible fleet is to my way of thinking answer enough. The German General Staff at Berlin tries out more thoroughly than any nation in the world every new device of warfare. They

I

FOR PEA

d either with or without war--with bloodshed most likely. History and human propensities have shown the inability to settle any vital points by peaceful arbitration and the more one comes in contact with the forces, obvious and otherwise, directing human affairs, the more one learns the rather disheartening fact that th

nd the Slavish. The Teutonic has Anglo-Saxon, Germanic and Norse subdivisions. The Latin, Gallic, has the French, Italian and Spanish nations; and the Slavonic comprises the Slavs and Romanic races with their innumerable subdivisions such as Moscovite, Chech, Pole, Croat, Serb, Bulgar, Bojar, etc. These three groups are distinctly different in habits, thoughts, manners and ambitions. Through race and religion they are also deeply antagonistic by reason of its higher commercial development (I do not say education, and art, music or literature, for there your Latin or Slav excels), the Teutonic races have outstripped the other two. Commercialism means consolidation and co

present Emperor, the house of Hohenzollern has shown itself to be the most virile dynasty in modern history. Not always clever, th

erving aims are necessary. If these policies are conducted in a clear, level-headed manner, judiciously developing

tical sense and appreciation of material benefits. The German Socialist is in fact a practical dreamer, quite in contrast to his mercurial, effervescent Latin prototype. The rulers of Germany have learned the lesson that the stability of a throne rests in the welfare of her people and everyone must admit that they have succeeded in this respect better than any other dynasty known to history. Germany without doubt is the most un

ople such as the Germans would not spend billions in money, a vast amount of time and labor, in perfecting and keeping up a fighting machine without being thoroughly convinced of the necessity of this

e to-morrow; it certainly will not be more than a decade hence. The death of th

man Emperor is a Protestant monarch, but he is first and last a Christian, and thanks to his usual keen and far-sighted policy, backed up by strong spiritual convictions, religious dissensions are almost unknown in his empire. The Catholic religion enjoys in no country, save the United States, more real freedom from persecutio

c Church who voiced pretty freely--that is for churchmen--their confi

R STATE O

hin the last few years developed a strong martial feeling against Russian aggression. Both countries are intensely patriotic and independent and would not on any account tolerate incorporation. Germany does not want Norway and Sweden, and Scandinavia knows that. They also know that Russia, having a fr

d marriages,--the Emperor's sons having married the most wealthy princesses in Europe--besides the privately invested fortunes

E

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