Part 8 (1/2)
As he moved up the steps he was startled to see a shadowy figure lurking in the doorway. His hand dropped to his pocket, and he advanced cautiously.
”Don't be afraid. Take your hand away from that revolver,” came the voice of Gladys Schweiring.
”Miss Gladys!” exclaimed Hal in surprise. ”What are you doing here?
It is almost midnight.”
”I was waiting for you,” was the low response. ”I was afraid something might have happened.”
”It has,” replied Hal, ”but it is good news and not bad. Where is your mother?”
”In the drawing-room.”
”Are the others there?”
”Just your friends. The guests have gone, and father has retired.”
”Good. I have important information for them,”
Hal followed the young girl into the drawing room. Chester rose to his feet.
”By George! I'm glad to see you back safely,” he said. ”I was afraid something had happened.”
Others echoed his words.
”Folks,” said Hal, ”I've news for you--good news.”
”What is it?” demanded Chester eagerly.
”Well,” said Hal very quietly. ”I've seen the list!”
CHAPTER VII
THE MINISTER'S BALL
It was a gay a.s.semblage that thronged the home of the Swiss minister four nights after Hal's interview with the chief of the German secret service. Elegantly dressed women and well groomed and handsome officers danced and sang, and from the general tone of the evening it would have been hard to believe that Germany was engaged in a war that threatened her very existence.
Hal, Chester and McKenzie went to the ball accompanied by Mrs.
Schweiring and her daughter. Mrs. Schweiring's husband announced that he would appear later, as he had matters of importance to transact at his office.
This was the night that Hal had decided upon to make an effort to get the list of names for which the three friends were risking so much. He had a well-conceived plan in mind. The details he had worked out in the days following his interview with the German chief of secret service and his preparations had been careful and thorough. Now he was anxious for action.
General Rentzel reached the ball late in the evening. He paid his respects to the Swiss minister and to the latter's wife. A few moments later he encountered Hal, and escorted the lad to a secluded nook, where he presented the lad with several doc.u.ments.
”This,” he said, indicating one, ”is your pa.s.sport into Switzerland.
From there you will travel as a Swiss subject. You will present that paper,” and he indicated a second, ”to Herr Baumgartner in Was.h.i.+ngton.
You will find him still at the Austrian emba.s.sy. He will give you other instructions. Also, you will receive your pay through him, and whatever other money is necessary.”