Later I learned that the Count, being convalescent and paroled, was
sent down to Cape Town. After the occupation of Pretoria, I got tired
of roughing it and made my way back to Europe, finally locating in
Berlin for a prolonged stay. I knew Berlin, and had a fondness for
it, having spent part of my youth there in the course of my education.
It has always been a habit of mine not to seem anxious about anything,
so I spent several weeks idling around Berlin before looking up Count
Reitzenstein. One day I called at his residence, Thiergartenstrasse
23. I found the Count on the point of leaving for the races at
Hoppegarten. He was one of the crack sportsmen of Prussia and never
missed a meeting. He suggested that I go to the track with him, and
while we waited for the servant to bring around his turn-out, he
renewed his proposals about my entering Prussian service.
"I expected you long ago," he said. "I have smoothed your way to a
great extent. We are likely to meet one or two of the Service Chiefs
out at the track, this afternoon. If you like, I'll introduce you to
them."
"Is there any likelihood of my being recognized?" I asked. "You know,
Count, it will be impossible for me to go under my true flag."
He assured me there was not the slightest chance.
"Your identity," he explained, "need be known to but one person."
Later I w as to know who this important personage was.
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