The Great Spy System

by Carter Nick

And so, presently, they entered the city of Washington; but the hour was still so early that by following the back streets, they attracted no attention, and so they finally made their way across the city, and to the northwest section, where, not far from the National Hotel, the headquarters of police is situated.

At headquarters, Nick and the major in command retired to the private room of the latter, and there Baron Mustushimi was put through an examination which in New York City would be called the "Third Degree."

Anyhow it was sufficiently severe; and the baron, who supposed, by remaining in the country after having once been ordered out of it, that he had forfeited his life, cringed in abject fear, and was ready enough to tell all that the detective demanded of him, when once he was assured that, if he did so, his life would be spared.

But he was not promised his liberty.

Nick preferred that the President should give him that, if he chose to do so, and in his own inimitable way.

But Mustushimi gave up all he knew.

He told of the organization of his spy system throughout the country, to the utmost detail; how there were hundreds of his men, under another lieutenant, in San Francisco, and in other cities of the country, and he related all the secrets about them, where their meeting places were located, and how they could best be captured.

And he confessed -which was more important- that his government had nothing whatever to do with this movement, but that it was inaugurated and carried on by a political set at home, who were enemies to the Japanese Government, and who really sought to overthrow it.

It was half-past ten o'clock the following morning when Nick Carter drove to the White House in a closed hack, with Mustushimi beside him. He had already sent the word agreed upon between him and the President, ahead of him, so he was sure of instant reception.

And when they arrived, and were taken to the President's room for the audience, they found him awaiting them, standing as he had done before, at the door, and entering the room after them.