“Yes, he has an old mother whom I have seen and have helped. I believe that it is his desire and interest to serve me and at the same time to keep his place as a paid spy.”
“What a droll arrangement! And are you really sure of him?”
“Yes, as far as one can be sure of any one in this tangle of spies.”
“But does he not—must he not—seem to earn his outside pay?”
“Yes, seem. I will call him in. He will talk if I assure him that he is safe.”
“Delightful—most delightful! By all means!”
I rang for Alphonse.
“Alphonse,” I said, “this gentleman is my friend. He cannot quite believe that you can be true to me and yet satisfy your superiors in the police.”
“Oh, monsieur!” exclaimed Alphonse. He was evidently hurt.