DELIBERATELY, the man in the mask examined the papers. Prokop watched him with an expression of anxiety. When the masked man had completed his examination, he quietly passed the papers back to Prokop.
“I understand your hesitation,” he said, in cold, finely cut words. “You are capable, Prokop; but you are not subtle. You evaded the subject of these papers, because they do not contain what we want.”
Prokop nodded his affirmation. A look of dread appeared upon his face. “We have gained nothing,” continued the Red Envoy. “You may keep the papers. Destroy them if you wish. We want the plans. They are not there.”
“I know that,” said Prokop, in an apologetic voice. “But — “
“Ignorance,” said the Red Envoy, “does not excuse you, Prokop. It was your work to see that Berger obtained new information.
“He was to steal the plans and working drawings. That would have completed our mission. It would have meant much to you, Prokop.”
The heavy-set man nodded.
“However,” resumed the Red Envoy, “we have other means of getting what we want. The death of Jonathan Graham was cleverly accomplished — even though Berger chanced to have good fortune.
“It will create no suspicion. It will not interfere with Whitburn’s work. On the contrary, it allows him to go ahead without interference from Graham, who was becoming impatient.
“Whitburn has plenty of money. Graham paid him in advance. We must now concentrate upon Whitburn. Attend to that.”