A secretary took his number and mission and five minutes later he was ushered into the inner chamber, to face Lothar Vendra, head of the American branch of the Gerka.
Vendra was an impressive individual. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and handsome in a bitter sort of way.
“I am most happy to greet you,” he told Blatz, extending his hand in welcome.
“I am happy to be here,” replied Blatz, with an enthusiasm that he did not honestly feel.
“Sit down,” motioned Vendra, “and tell me all that has happened since you arrived at Bellevue and how you happen to be in New York at this time.”
Blatz recounted in detail the events that had taken place since he had arrived at the home of the Goliath. When he mentioned the name of Boris Dubra, the mechanic who had been wounded in his attempt to damage the Goliath’s hangar, Vendra’s face clouded with anger.
“I had heard of that,” he said. “Dubra was a fool. We are just as well off without him. You will be able to accomplish the task alone.”
“I’m not so sure that I will fulfill my mission,” replied Blatz.
“What’s that?” demanded Vendra.
“I have a feeling that the Americans, especially Andy High, are suspicious,” explained Blatz. “When I left the hotel a few minutes ago I was followed and only by the amazing dexterity of my taxi driver was I able to elude my pursuer.”