“Yes.”
“This is it: ‘Inform Colonel Haki, Istanbul, that agent I.K. is dead, but do not inform the police. I am forced to accompany German agents, Moeller and Banat, travelling with passports of Fritz Haller and Mavrodopoulos, I …”
Mathis’s jaw dropped and he let out an exclamation. “Is it possible!”
“Unfortunately, it is.”
“Then it was not seasickness that you had!”
“No. Shall I go on with the message?”
Mathis swallowed. “Yes. Yes. I did not realize.… Please.”
“ ‘I shall attempt to escape and reach you, but in the event of my death please inform British Consul that these men are responsible.’ ” It was, he felt, melodramatic; but it was no more than he wished to say. He felt sorry for Mathis.
The Frenchman was staring at him with horror in his eyes. “Is it not possible,” he whispered. “Why …?”
“I should like to explain but I am afraid that I can’t. The point is, will you deliver the message for me?”