‘If I consent to your suppressing the truth, Professor Severinski, it
does not follow that I am willing to listen to absurd fictions. Be
good enough to write out and sign a circumstantial account of your
own part in this clumsy plot, and I will undertake that you shall not
pass to-night in prison.’
The Russian had the sense to do what he was told without further
parley. I got from him more than I expected. He consented to put in
writing that it was after his betrothal to Fraulein Zeiss that he
had been solicited to make use of his connection with the Kaiser’s
private telegraphist, and he stated the amount of the bribe, a
very heavy one, paid him for his services in sending the Imperial
congratulations to the President of the Transvaal. We became so
friendly over the discussion that Severinski, who was bursting with
vanity over his success, wanted me at last to let him tell me too
much. I was obliged to order him to be silent.
‘If you tell me that you are an agent of a certain great Power, I
must repeat what you say to the Kaiser. Then one of two things will
happen. Either your Government will avow your action, in which case
you will be hanged as a spy, or it will disavow you, in which case
you will pass the rest of your life in prison as a criminal lunatic.’
This menace had all the effect which I could have desired, and I was
satisfied that the Russian would now hold his tongue.
Bidding him a cordial farewell--for I confess the fellow’s audacity
had inspired me with some admiration--I hastened back to the Palace,
to lay the results of my investigations before Wilhelm II.
‘Your Majesty has been victimised by a secret agent whose employers
are interested in bringing about a feeling of ill-will, if not
an actual war, between Germany and Great Britain. The day before
yesterday this agent, whose name is Severinski, and who is employed
to teach Russian’--Wilhelm II. started--‘in the Berlin Military
College, visited your private telegraphist in the room at the end
of this corridor. He had previously contrived that the telegraphist
should be called away during his visit, and he took advantage of this
absence to send the message which has caused so much trouble.’
The Kaiser made no reply until he had finished reading the proofs I
laid before him.
‘And you did not ask this Severinski by whom he was set on?’ demanded
his Majesty, giving me a keen glance.
‘I did not know whether you would wish me to do so,’ I answered
respectfully.
‘You were right, a thousand times right,’ exclaimed the Emperor. ‘As
long as they are in doubt whether I know it is they who have played
me this trick, I have the advantage of them, and they will keep
silence for their own sakes.’ He paused in deep consideration for a
minute, then he looked up quickly. ‘All this time I must not forget
the English. Tell me, Monsieur V----, are you personally known to
Lord Salisbury?’
‘I have that honour, sire. On one occasion----’
‘Enough! There is not a moment to lose. You will leave Berlin by
the first train, and proceed straight to the Ambassador’s house in
London. He will take you round to the Prime Minister, and you will
offer him the proofs which you have just offered me, explaining
at the same time that the excited state of public feeling in both
countries makes it impossible for me to take any open action in the
matter.’