I knew that there was a certain
faction in Germany that was trying to push the Kaiser into a war.
This clique, composed of army and navy men and the junker, the "Jingo"
party, the big gun interests, backed by public opinion, were trying
their utmost to urge war with France. What was the latest at the
Wilhelmstrasse?
On the stroke of 10.30 I was there. I handed my number to the
commissaire. This number is important. All German secret agents are
known by number, all carry little cards and a photograph of mine is
published between these covers.
Presently the commissaire returned and showed me into the chambers of
Graf von Wedel, Privy Councilor to the German Emperor. With another
man in evening dress, I was told to wait in an antechamber. We bowed,
and although we took pretty good stock of each other, neither spoke.
It is an unwritten law not to hold unnecessary conversation in the
Imperial Secret Service. After about half an hour's wait, we were
shown into the Count's private room. This rather astonished me, for
the usual rule at the Wilhelmstrasse is to interview only one man at a
time. Clearly something out of the ordinary was in the air. After
the Count greeted us, he inquired if we were known to each other.
Receiving a negative, he introduced us. My companion was a Herr von
Senden, ex-officer of the Zweite Gaarde Dragona.
"You will both be taken at half-past eleven to a certain room," said
the Count.
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