But one is not quite as wise at twenty-four as at
thirty-nine.
Well satisfied with my prospects, I arose early the next morning and
walked briskly to Captain Tappken's office. Punctually at ten o'clock
I announced myself at the Admiralty and after the usual procedure with
the door man, I was received by Herr von Stammer, private secretary of
Captain Tappken. A very astute and calculating gentleman is Herr von
Stammer. Suave, genial, talkative, he has the plausible and unstudied
art of extracting information without committing himself in turn. A
marvelous encyclop?¦dia of devious Secret Service facts, an ideal
tutor.
When we were alone in his office, von Stammer began by saying
abruptly:
"From now on, you must be entirely and absolutely at our Service. You
will report daily at twelve noon by telephoning a certain number. At
all times you must be accessible. You will pay close attention to the
following rules:
"Absolute silence in regard to your missions. No conversation with
minor officials but only with the respective heads of departments or
to whomever you are sent. You will make no memoranda nor carry
written documents. You will never discuss your affairs with any
employee in the Service whom you may meet. You are not likely to meet
many. It is strictly against the rules to become friendly or intimate
with any agent. You must abstain from intoxicating liquors.
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