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"First of all, there's Doctor Schmidt accuses Sir Everard here of being an impostor because he assumed his own name; accuses him of murdering a man who had planned in cold blood you were in that, by the by, Schmidt to kill him; and then there's our friend here, the secretary of the society for propagating better relations between the business men of England and Germany, complaining because Sir Everard carried through in Germany, for England, exactly what he believed the Baron Von Ragastein was carrying out here for Germany.
The two men seated themselves in the long, wicker chairs, the doctor in an attitude of strict attention. Von Ragastein turned his head and listened. From Dominey's quarters came the sound of deep and regular breathing. "I have formed a great plan, Schmidt," Von Ragastein proceeded. "You know what news has come to me from Berlin?" "Your Excellency has told me a little," the doctor reminded him.
"Ah!" the doctor grunted. "My principal need in England is an identity," Von Ragastein pointed out. "I have made up my mind. I shall take this Englishman's. I shall return to England as Sir Everard Dominey." "So!" "There is a remarkable likeness between us, and Dominey has not seen an Englishman who knows him for eight or ten years.
A smiling steward, in black livery with white facings, made his appearance and served them with beer in tall glasses. The senior officer there, who had now seated himself opposite to Dominey, raised his glass and bowed. "To the Baron Von Ragastein," he said, "whose acquaintance I regret not having made before to-day. May we soon welcome him back, a brother in arms, a companion in great deeds!
"Von Ragastein," he said, "it is a great country, ours. It is a wonderful empire we shall build. To-night I am on fire with the mighty things. I have a list of instructions for you, many details. They can wait. We will talk of our future, our great and glorious destiny as the mightiest nation who has ever earned for herself the right to govern the world.
"His Majesty will receive you at once," he announced. "Follow me." They boarded the train and passed along a richly carpeted corridor. Their guide paused and pointed to a small retiring-room, where several men were seated. "Herr Seaman will find friends there," he said. "His Imperial Majesty will receive him for a few minutes later. The Baron Von Ragastein will come this way."
"Tell me, what does it mean?" "I can only repeat, madam," he said, "that to my very great regret I have not the honour of your acquaintance." She was puzzled, but absolutely unconvinced. "You mean to deny that you are Leopold Von Ragastein?" she asked incredulously. "You do not know me?" "Madam," he answered, "it is not my great pleasure. My name is Dominey Everard Dominey."
I have put on record there evidences of the really genuine sentiment in favour of peace which I have found amongst the present Cabinet." "I should esteem it an immense privilege," Dominey said, "to be given a private reading of these memoirs." "That may be arranged," was the suave reply. "In the meantime, Von Ragastein, I want you to reconsider your position here."
If you refuse, I shall take other means. I will make no promises. I will not even promise that I will not call out before him in the streets that he is a liar, that his life is a lie. I will call him Leopold Von Ragastein " "Hush!" he begged her. "Stephanie, you are nervous. I have not yet answered your entreaty." "You consent?" "I consent," he promised.
"I must trek westward myself directly," he protested, "or eastward, or northward it doesn't so much matter. Can't we travel together?" Von Ragastein shook his head. "I travel officially, and I must travel alone," he replied. "As for yourself, they will be breaking up here to-morrow, but they will lend you an escort and put you in the direction you wish to take.
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