l in London. After a lengthy but entirely unsatisfactory visit to the

nced, "to see the Chief C

e addressed his enquir

chance, an appoi

"I only arrived from the

n shook his

an appointment. Your best course would be to write and state your

"However, my business is urgent, and if I can't see S

t a Mr. Tyritt would see him, and was promptly shown into the presence of that gentleman. Mr. Tyritt was a burly and black-bearded

Philip is very much engaged for the next few d

explained. "Would you care to possess a com

showing the most profound emotion. Neve

he repeated. "Dear me, tha

d glanced at it. The action

have been in the Diplomatic Service for eight years. Until

mewhat impressed

elling me how you became pos

prompt reply. "You shal

versation, and the subsequent happenings, including the interview which he had ove

novel, doesn't it, Mr. Norgate?" t

"I can't help what it sounds like.

iefly our position. In the neighbourhood of our naval bases, our dockyards, our military aeroplane sheds, and in other directions which I need not specify, we keep the most scrupulous and exacting watch. We even, as of course you are aware, employ decoy spies ourselves, who work in conjunction with our friends at Whiteh

ws of your departm

etters a year which leave this country, addressed to Germany, purporting to contain information of the most important nature, which

less information is naturally sent, that fact lessens the danger as a whole? If only one letter in a t

dicated the slight tolerance of the man convin

f the situation which I am endeavouring to-to-may I say enunciate? Germans over in this country, especially those in comparatively menial positions, such as barbers and waiters, are necessary to us industrially. So long as they earn their l

nk it academic piffle. If we leave the Germans engaged in the inland towns alone for a moment, do you realise, I wonder, th

welcome to write home to their friends and relations each week and tell th

reluctantly

n my own account, and bring you absolute proof that any one of these people whose names are up

mised. "Is that your list? Will y

rgate replied, passing it over. "Your attitude

. A sharp ejaculation broke from his lips. As his eyes wandered downwards,

wn, "do you mean to seriously accuse these people

ly I do," Nor

holly and entirely English, some of them household names. You expect me to believe that these people are all linked together in wh

picked u

hing, Mr. Tyritt," he said d

it as yours is an agreeable break in my routine work. I feel as though I might be a character

ned back fr

r. Tyritt," he advised, "You