Part 7 (2/2)
Hal smiled.
”I'm not applying for a job, sir,” he replied. ”I came here at your son's suggestion. He said you might have a proposition to make, and if I can be of service without taking too great risk, I am willing, sir.”
Again the general meditated. At last he said:
”It's true that we have need of men for the work my son mentions. To my mind, your youth would be in favor, rather than against, the success of the undertaking. Would you be willing to go back to America?”
”Well, I don't care particularly about going right now,” said Hal truthfully.
”But there is nothing to prevent your going?”
”Well, no. But I would know the nature of my work first. I would not like to become a spy, sir. It seems to me that spies are not made of manly caliber, sir.”
”You are wrong,” was the quiet response. ”Why, I can show you the names of men whom you would not think of suspecting, and yet who are acting for the German government in America.”
”Is that so, sir?”
”It is indeed. Wait.” General Rentzel arose, approached the big safe in the rear of the room, unlocked it and took there from a small paper-bound book. He returned to his seat at the table.
”In this little book,” he said, tapping the table gently with it, ”are the names of our agents in America. See, I'll show you a name, of worldwide importance, who is acting for us.”
General Rentzel exposed a name. Hal glanced at it and then gave a long whistle.
”It's no wonder you are surprised,” said the general, smiling.
”Neither is it any wonder that our agents have been so successful in America, considering names like that.”
”I should say not, sir,” returned Hal grim.
General Rentzel returned the book to his safe, closed the heavy iron door and twirled the k.n.o.b.
”What do you say, sir?” he demanded, as he resumed his seat.
For a moment Hal seemed to hesitate. Then he said:
”I accept on one condition, sir.”
”And that?” asked the general.
”That,” said Hal, ”is that I may have the week in which to put my affairs in shape. I shall have to resign my position with my paper and attend to a few other matters, sir.”
”Very good, sir. You need not call here again. It would be unwise. I shall see you at the Swiss amba.s.sador's ball, which will be held four nights from tonight. There I will give you what pa.s.sports you need and other instructions. Until then, sir, auf Wiedersehen.”
Captain Rentzel accompanied Hal from his father's office.
”You are in luck,” said that worthy, ”and the pay is big. In a year or two you will be a wealthy man.”
Hal thanked the captain, and made his way home alone.
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