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Updated: June 19, 2025
"In this little book," he said, tapping the table gently with it, "are the names of our agents in America. See, I'll show you a name, of worldwide importance, who is acting for us." General Rentzel exposed a name. Hal glanced at it and then gave a long whistle. "It's no wonder you are surprised," said the general, smiling.
Schweiring had provided the three friends with an abundant wardrobe, which included evening clothes. Dinner over, Mrs. Schweiring, her daughter Gladys, and the wife of General Rentzel, the only women present, retired while the men produced cigars and cigarettes. Neither Hal nor Chester smoked, but they felt called upon to accept a cigarette each.
McKenzie, however, had no such scruples, and accepted a fat cigar without hesitation. Hal found himself in conversation with young Captain Rentzel, son of the chief of the secret service. "I understand you have spent some years in America?" he questioned. "Why, yes," returned Hal. "Do you like the country?" "Not overly much," replied Hal with a shrug.
In the darkness of the vestibule, Hal tried the door. "Locked," he said. "Lucky we came prepared." He opened the little grip he carried. Meanwhile, Chester had carried Hal's message to Gladys. The latter had repeated it to her mother, and these two now shadowed General Rentzel every place he moved, for they were fearful that he might decide at any moment to leave the house.
I must be going." There was no reply the other could make to this without laying herself open to suspicion. She stepped back, and the German secret service chief passed on. Behind him the woman and her daughter wrung their hands. They had been unsuccessful. In their minds they could see General Rentzel bursting in upon Hal and McKenzie in the middle of their work.
The details he had worked out in the days following his interview with the German chief of secret service and his preparations had been careful and thorough. Now he was anxious for action. General Rentzel reached the ball late in the evening. He paid his respects to the Swiss minister and to the latter's wife.
There I will give you what passports you need and other instructions. Until then, sir, auf Wiedersehen." Captain Rentzel accompanied Hal from his father's office. "You are in luck," said that worthy, "and the pay is big. In a year or two you will be a wealthy man." Hal thanked the captain, and made his way home alone.
He will give you other instructions. Also, you will receive your pay through him, and whatever other money is necessary." Hal bowed. "Very well, sir," he said. "I don't know that there is anything further," said General Rentzel, "except to warn you that treachery means death." "I am aware of that, sir," returned Hal quietly. "Very good, then. Good luck to you." The general moved away.
McKenzie flashed the light across the floor, and there, just getting to her feet, was Gladys. "Quick! You must fly!" she cried. "General Rentzel is on his way and will be here at any moment." The fuse in the other room was burning fast, as Hal knew. The lad determined, in that instant, that he would not leave the house without getting the list for which he had come.
Hal looked carefully about the room. A long table stood in the center. This apparently was the personal property of General Rentzel. Great easy chairs were scattered about the room. There was a window at the south side, and back, in the center, against the wall, was a large safe. "Pretty comfortable place," said Hal aloud. "Rather," agreed the young German.
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