“Yes,” she said clearly.
“You failed?”
“I did.”
“H—m.” The General paused and turned to Rizzio.
“What have you to say?”
“Merely, Excellenz, that I thought Miss Mather knew too much for Germany’s good and I chose this means of getting her to Ben-a-Chielt.”
“Where she could witness a secret meeting between two officers of my department? Bah! Herr Rizzio, your story leaks like a sieve. It is full of holes.” He touched the bell at his elbow and von Winden appeared. “You will convey Herr Rizzio to the room on the third floor. Put a guard over him.”
Rizzio started to his feet, his face ghastly, while beads of moisture stood out upon his forehead.
“You will not give me a chance to explain?” he protested huskily.