“I hope I may deserve them, Excellenz.”
General von Stromberg took the paper from his breast and glanced over it again.
“You will remember,” he continued, “the affair of the Socialist, Gottschalk?”
“I knew nothing of the details, Excellenz. That matter came in the duty of Oberleutnant von Weringrade.”
“This much then, only, I need tell you. Herr Gottschalk, who lived at Schöndorf near here, came into the possession, in a manner which need not be described, of certain important papers. He kept them for some time, not aware of their importance, and then realizing their value and being a good German, though opposed to the war, two weeks ago communicated with the Government. The result of this correspondence was a summons from Berlin and the delivery of these papers into the hands of the Emperor. Do you follow me?”
“Yes, Excellenz.”
“This letter which I have just received by special messenger informs me that His Majesty has decided to act at once, and gives me three days in which to make arrangements to have these papers, which will be forwarded tomorrow, delivered to General Dalmier, commanding at Verdun, to be handed before a certain date, to the President of the French Republic. You are to be the bearer of those letters. They must be delivered personally. You will be provided with the proper passes and facilities, including an armed escort to the French lines. From there you must trust to your own resources. The important matter is that no one, not even Captain von Winden, shall suspect your mission. Perhaps now you will realize the confidence I am reposing.”
“I am honored, Excellenz. These papers will arrive tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow night by automobile at eleven, by the Schöndorf road.”
“And until then——?”