‘My dear Finkelstein, I see that you are not changed.’
The Director’s consternation was quite laughable to witness.
‘V——!’ he exclaimed, drawing back as if he had been stung; then he added, in a tone of hesitation: ‘My old friend?’
‘Yes; your friend—and your ally, if you will accept him as such,’ I said cordially.
Finkelstein looked immensely relieved. He was well aware that the Kaiser did not accord him his complete confidence, and he must have feared that I had come to him, as on a former occasion, as the Kaiser’s agent.
‘My dear V——, any friendship and assistance that I can give you are at your service at all times,’ he hastened to assure me.
‘It is understood, then, is it not, that we are to stand by each other? If I undertake to report favourably of you in a certain quarter, you will give me your confidence?’
‘That is always understood between Secret Service agents who are men of honour,’ the German responded.
We shook hands with great warmth.
‘Now,’ I said, ‘I can afford to be perfectly frank.’