I
recalled how they had sent me to the Spandau Garrison to inquire into
the affairs of an officer who was too lavish with his money to suit
the Intelligence Department. He was an ordnance officer in a small
arms factory at Spandau and it was the natural conclusion that he was
obtaining this extra money by selling state secrets.
I encountered, however, an entirely different situation. I learned
that he was absolutely innocent on that score but that he was
receiving money from a certain princess who had become infatuated with
him. She was of a very high house and I realized that her name could
not be mentioned in a report to Captain Tappken. This situation
required delicate treatment. I solved the dilemma by reporting to
Tappken that the ordnance officer was guiltless of any act of treason
against his country. I then made a private report, covering the
intimate facts, which went direct to officials of higher
responsibility. The princess' name did not appear as far as
subordinates were concerned and the whole affair was hushed up. My
fortunate discretion in this matter undoubtedly strengthened my
standing with the Wilhelmstrasse.
By this time I had installed myself in quiet quarters on the
Mittelstrasse, and Kim, who had been transformed from a Basuto boy
into an efficient man servant, looked after my comforts. To secure
myself from the questions of prying neighbors, I had caused it to be
known that I was a retired South African planter inclined to poor
health.
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