“Yes, Excellenz. Here.”
He produced from an inner pocket a small package wrapped in oiled paper and handed it to von Stromberg.
“Ah!” He went quickly over to the table and tearing off the wrapper of the bundle opened the packet of Riz-la-Croix and found the hidden message which he scanned quickly, with muttered ejaculations of satisfaction and surprise. Hammersley by the fireplace was warming his hands.
“Ganz gut!” said the General, straightening and turning. “You had difficulties?”
“More than usual, Excellenz. Captain Byfield is in prison.”
“Caught!”
Hammersley nodded.
“They found letters at his rooms.”
“Schafskopf! Were there no fires?”
Hammersley shrugged.