Von Stromberg chuckled. “Is not that enough to prejudice a man—if he were honest?”
“Yes, if he were honest,” said Rizzio. “Did he have any authority for his belief?”
“Yes, Herr Rizzio,” said the General, fixing Rizzio with his stare. “He told me that Maxwell had learned it from Byfield.”
“Byfield!” Rizzio started forward quickly. “Hammersley is a fool. Have I not told Excellenz that Byfield knew nothing whatever of my connection with the affair?”
Von Stromberg stretched his long arms impatiently.
“Herr Maxwell, unfortunately, is silent. Captain Byfield is in a position where the only questions that can be put to him will be those at the Gates of Heaven by his Maker.”
He gave the bell on the table a resounding blow and grinned mischievously at Rizzio.
“You say that Herr Hammersley is a fool. He asserts that you are one. I shall now smoke a cigar and decide for myself which of you is correct.”
And, as the soldier entered, “Tell Herr Hammersley that I wish to see him here at once.”