Bowing, we were out in the hall; the big oaken door closed. Wedel led
the way to his private chamber. He produced a package of sealed
papers and handing it to me, said:
"Doctor, this is a most important affair. There is a most serious
trouble brewing somewhere--trouble about war. We have our suspicions
as to what power is behind all this and we are going to find out. You
are well enough acquainted with the situation to require no further
illustration. You know how here at home they are also trying to force
the Emperor into a war-- You will leave this package at the Embassy in
Paris. It must be there at the Rue de Lille to-morrow noon. To do so
you will have to catch the Orient Express at half-past three this
morning. At the Paris legation you will receive another package which
you will take on to Madrid. After delivering this, you have _carte
blanche_ to make your way to the _Panther_, which you will find off
Barcelona. Also, you will visit Gibraltar and inform yourself of the
strength and state of preparation of the British Naval Squadron
there." He paused. "This time you will not apply at the cashier's
desk. Your expenses are borne this time out of the Emperor's private
chatulle. In a few hours time I will have French and Spanish money
ready for you and send it to your lodgings. You thoroughly understand
your instructions? Of course, you have not forgotten the message that
you memorized before the Emperor?"
I assured him I had not and after a cordial handshake I bowed myself
out and hurried back to my quarters.
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