The Conquest of America Part 22

"I'm sorry," said General Langhorne, after he had presented my request.

"The Crown Prince has no statement to make at present. But there is another German prisoner who wishes to speak to you. I suppose it's all right as you have General Wood's permission. He says he has met you before--Colonel von Dusenberg."

"Colonel von Dusenberg?"

"He is on the Crown Prince's staff. In here." I opened a heavy door and found myself in a large dimly lighted room.

"Mr. Langston!"

The voice was familiar and, turning, I stared in amazement; for there, dressed as an officer of the Prussian guard, stood the man I had rescued in the Caribbean Sea, the brother of the girl I had seen in Was.h.i.+ngton, Lieutenant Randolph Ryerson of the United States navy. He had let his moustache grow, but I recognised him at once.

"You?" I stood looking at him and saw that his face was deathly white.

"Yes. I--I'm in trouble and--I have things to tell you," he stammered.

"Sit down."

I sat down and lighted a cigarette. I kept thinking how much he looked like his sister.

"Ryerson, what the devil are you doing in that Prussian uniform?"

He turned away miserably, then he forced himself to face me.

"I'll get the worst over first. I don't care what happens to me and--anyway I--I'm a spy."

"A spy?"

He nodded. "In the service of the Germans. It was through me they knew about Widding's invention to destroy their fleet. It was through me that Edison and Widding were abducted. I meant to disappear--that's why I joined von Hindenburg's army, but--we were captured and--here I am."

He looked at me helplessly as I blew out a cloud of smoke.

"How is this possible? How did it happen? How, Ryerson?" I gasped in amazement.

He shook his head. "What's the use? It was money and--there's a woman in it."

"Go on."

"That's all. I fell for one of their d.a.m.nable schemes to get information.

It was three years ago on the Mediterranean cruise of our Atlantic squadron. I met this woman in Ma.r.s.eilles."

"Well?"

"She called herself the Countess de Matignon, and--I was a young lieutenant and--I couldn't resist her. n.o.body could. She wanted money and I gave her all I had; then I gambled to get more. She wanted information about the American fleet, about our guns and coast defences; unimportant things at first, but pretty soon they were important and--I was crazy about her and--swamped with debts and--I yielded. Within six months she owned me. I was a German spy, mighty well paid, too. G.o.d!"

I stared at him in dismay. I could not speak.

"Well, after the war broke out between Germany and America last April, this woman came to New York and got her clutches on me deeper than ever.

I gave her some naval secrets, and six weeks ago I told her all I knew about Widding's invention. You see what kind of a dog I am," he concluded bitterly.

"Ryerson, why have you told me this?" I asked searchingly.

"Why?" He flashed a straightforward look out of his handsome eyes.

"Because I'm sick of the whole rotten game. I've played my cards and lost. I'm sure to be found out--some navy man will recognise me, in spite of this moustache, and--you know what will happen then. I'll be glad of it, but--before I quit the game I want to do one decent thing. I'm going to tell you where they've taken Edison."

"You know where Edison is?"

"Yes. Don't speak so loud."

Ryerson leaned closer and whispered: "He's in Richmond, Virginia."

Silently I studied this unhappy man, wondering if he was telling the truth. He must have felt my doubts.

"Langston, you don't believe me! Why should I lie to you? I tell you I want to make amends. These German officers trust me. I know their plans and--Oh, my G.o.d, aren't you going to believe me?"

"Go on," I said, impressed by the genuineness of his despair. "What plans do you know?"

"I know the Germans are disturbed by this patriotic spirit in America.

They're afraid of it. They don't know where h.e.l.l may break loose next--after Boston. They're going to leave Boston alone, everything alone for the present--until they get their new army."

"New army?"

"Yes--from Germany. They have sent for half a million more men. They'll have 'em here in a month and--that's why I want to do something--before it's too late."

As I watched him I began to believe in his sincerity. Handsome fellow! I can see him now with his flushed cheeks and pleading eyes. A spy! It would break his sister's heart.

"What can you do?" I asked sceptically.

He looked about him cautiously and lowered his voice.

"I can get Edison away from the Germans, and Edison can destroy their fleet."

"Perhaps," said I.

"He says he can."

"I know, but--you say Edison is in Richmond."

"We can rescue him. If you'll only help me, Langston, we can rescue Edison. I'll go to Richmond with papers to the commanding German general that will get me anything."

"Papers as a German spy?"

"Well--yes."

"You can't get to Richmond. You're a prisoner yourself."

"That's where you're going to help me. You must do it--for the country--for my sister."

[Ill.u.s.tration: AND ON THE MORNING OF JULY 4, TWO OF VON KLUCK'S STAFF OFFICERS, ACCOMPANIED BY A MILITARY ESCORT, MARCHED DOWN STATE STREET TO ARRANGE FOR THE PAYMENT OF AN INDEMNITY FROM THE CITY OF BOSTON OF THREE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS.]

"Does your sister know--what you are?"

He looked away, and I saw his lips tighten and his hands clench.