"
There was an interruption, for Kim had appeared with cigarettes.
"The Count," continued von Stammer, driving direct to the point,
"wishes you to go to Belgrade and get in close touch with existing
conditions there. We wish you to ascertain the undercurrent
situation. The official status is, of course, well known to us. But
we want definitely to find out just how far Russian influences are at
work in Bucharest and Sofia, just how far they have progressed and how
far they are prepared to go in this Balkan affair. If you cannot get
in Belgrade the wanted information--and absolute accuracy is
imperative--go to the Bulgarian capital. But--and this is
important--no time must be lost. A definite insight into the inner
workings of the situation must be in my hands at the earliest possible
moment."
Here indeed was a task.
"Understand," continued von Stammer, "you will have the assistance in
this case of Austrian Secret employees. But, as I need not point out
to you, it is inadvisable to take any of them with you, as all the
Austrian agents are known to the Russian agents down in the Balkans.
I suggest that you stop at Budapest and get all connecting links of
possible help to you. You will obtain these from Kasimir Kowalsky, an
Austrian agent whom you will find at Donaustrasse 24. By the way, do
you know him?"
I said no.
"In this case," went on von Stammer, "I shall give instructions to
facilitate matters.
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