The Emperor's Privy
Councilor and right hand was the head of the political sections of the
Secret Service. This promised to be interesting. I wondered what the
likely upshot would be, but I was interrupted in my soliloquy by a
summons to reenter the Count's chamber.
I was shown to a seat. Graf Wedel looked me over carefully and
minutely for a considerable length of time with a frank stare of
appraisal.
"How old are you, Doctor?"
I must confess my extreme youth always made this question one of
secret annoyance.
"Twenty-five, your Excellency."
"Very young, very young." He stared at me again and after a pause
said:
"Yet the reports about your work are satisfactory and show discretion
and intelligence above your years."
I bowed in acknowledgment.
"You will from now on," he said, "become attached to this section of
the Service. You will be trusted with some very grave and important
matters. You will receive your orders and instructions only from me.
You will report only to me direct. On no account will you see any
subordinate or any person, no matter what his official status, without
my expressed permission. Verstehen sie?"
"Yes, sir."
"For funds," he continued, "you will apply to my secretary. Of your
expenses you will furnish a monthly account. How soon can you be
ready to go on a mission?"
I told him in two hours.
"Good!" he exclaimed, "the sooner the better.
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