Wallace Intervenes Read Free Page A

for the part I have cast you to play. It is certain your connection with the Secret Service is unknown and unsuspected; above all, I fancy I have discovered in you certain qualities which should prove of great value under the present circumstances. You have your chance, Foster; take it!’
    The young man swallowed convulsively. He had never anticipated anything like this, and for a moment he found himself bereft of words. Eventually, however, he succeeded in murmuring huskily:
    ‘Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.’ His blue eyes met the grey ones of his chief with a look full of confidence.
    ‘I am sure you won’t,’ smiled Wallace. ‘Remember: if you are in any difficulties in Berlin, go and purchase perfume at the Lalére agency in the Unter den Linden and consult Gottfried. But never, under any circumstances, go to him if you feel you are in danger or suspected. No doubt of the bona fides of Gottfried or Lalére and Company must be raised. To all seeming, throughout the world, Lalére’s is merely a famous and popular perfume firm. In Berlin Gottfried is one of the Prussians of the old school – a strong, fanatical devotee of the cult of Deutschland über alles . Nothing must occur to weaken or endanger his position in Germany. You must lose your life rather than imperil Lalére’s. Understand that perfectly?’
    ‘Yes, sir,’ replied Foster firmly and at once.
    ‘You will not be entirely alone. Once you are established in your friendship with the baroness, I will take steps to see that someone is nearby to help you in the event of trouble. But that someonewill not be Gottfried. Now all that remains is to tell you what it is I hope you will succeed in learning from or through the baroness. The Marshal has formed and carefully drawn up secret military plans. It is believed that the final scheme was discussed and agreed upon at a private meeting in the residence of the baroness. The Chancellor and the Minister for Propaganda were the only others present. It is not known if the baroness actually took part in the discussion. I am anxious – very anxious – to know what those secret military plans are. The second item concerns a very deadly gas which is reported to have been invented by a German scientist named Hans Mohrenwitz, the third is a wireless ray invented by another scientist named Joachim Bräu, which is said to have the effect of putting aircraft out of action. I want details of the gas and the ray, every item of information concerning them you can gather, in fact. You may think I am setting you a herculean task, Foster, but I am only asking you to find out what the baroness knows. If she knows nothing, we must go elsewhere. That’s all – for the present.’ He held out his hand, which Foster gripped with great warmth. ‘Good luck, Bernard,’ was said in a tone of deep sincerity. Major Brien also shook hands and wished the young man good luck. Foster turned towards the door, with an unaccustomed though very happy lump in his throat. He had almost reached it when Sir Leonard called: ‘You’re twenty-six, aren’t you?’
    ‘Yes, sir,’ replied the ex-guardsman.
    ‘So is she,’ murmured Wallace. ‘What a delightful age for a romance!’

CHAPTER TWO
The Baroness von Reudath
    Foster duly received his card for Lady Ashington’s reception, and proceeded to the house in Belgrave Square wondering what the immediate future held in store for him. He was not blind to the fact that the path he would have to tread might prove to be one of desperate peril. Hitherto he had not been engaged on any enterprise overshadowed by much danger. Now, alone, unaided, he was expected to carry out a task that would quite likely involve him in trouble not only with the German secret police but with the Marshal of State himself. He certainly had been given his chance – a glorious chance – and he intended grasping it with both hands. Nevertheless, it must be confessed that he felt a trifle worried. Ever since