ALL ABOUT SPIES.
_Giddy_ Greens, to whom you have already been introduced, was a queer
fellow. He was a mixture of Beau Brummel, Caesar, and Don Juan--one who
dressed well, fought well, and kissed gloriously, as a flapper would
say. He was also a student, and certainly a daring adventurer. His fine
complexion, well-groomed figure, and air of blase indifference, gave to
all the idea that he was simply a delightful idiot who hunted women and
tippled good wine. But Giddy Greens was something like that hero in 'The
Scarlet Pimpernel'--a man who had his strength and ambition under a mask
of genial imbecility. He knew English literature upside down, and
delighted to rave about the glories of Shakespeare, Milton, and
Stevenson. A traveller too, for Giddy Greens had toured the whole world
on a ten-pound note. He had done everything from cattle-ranching to that
of a super in a third-class Musical Comedy. To women he was ever a hero.
His magnetic personality was of a forceful yet charming kind.
Still Greens was a very serious man. Imperialism was his dream;
patriotism his ideal and pride. He lived for Britain. In all his
wanderings he preached for the flag. In these ramblings, too, he
observed things, noted them down, and then startled his friends by his
discoveries. The Germans he loathed, and the Germans he had followed
from John o' Groats to Timbuctoo. He had dogged German travellers and
spies from Tilbury Docks through Egypt, Ceylon, Australasia, Canada, and
Japan. Like Sherlock Holmes, he followed quick, yet silent. At the
outpost of Empire he had seen the evil work of Prussian hands. It was
Greens who discovered "The League of the Fatherland"--that is, a German
semi-official and social organisation within the British Empire. He
found that it was bossed by their Consuls, and he found nearly all
Vice-Consuls to be officers--and spies. He had written to the press and
revealed these things, but the luxurious-living public only laughed.
They had no time; they had engagements for music halls, football, and
golf. The awful dangers, however, stirred this zealot on. He kept at the
Teutons' heels and learned more things. These were revealed one night at
mess when Greens had declared that the bombardment of Sandtown-on-Sea
was the fruitful work of spies.
"Explain, Greens," shouted one of the subalterns.
"Well, I'll tell you. I first discovered the Germans at work on the
North-east Coast. Every German waiter, schoolmaster, and tradesman in
all the towns from Peterhead to Dundee I found to be spies. They were in
"The League of the Fatherland." All were registered by the Consul. In
the event of invasion every man would have a part in the job. In the
times of peace they studied the coast, the tides, the location of ships
and troops, the position of guns, everything, in fact, which would be of
use. These things were reported in writing to their Consuls, or
verbally, when the League met at the many German clubs and gatherings. I
pointed this out.
"In what way?" asked an anxious sub.
"A story which appeared in 'The Daily Owl.' In that romance I let them
know what was going on. Yes, I frightened the lackadaisical bounders
into a panic. Lunan Bay I pointed out as a landing-place. The coast near
St. Andrews I also emphasised as a jumping-off shore, while Dundee was
proved to be without a gun or boat to defend it; in fact, the whole
coast displayed a general invitation to the Germans to come and shoot."
"What happened?"
"Some official big-wig stopped the story."
"Why?"
"It showed every weakness up, but----"
"What?"
"They got to work. Dundee got a submarine base; Montrose got aeroplanes;
Fife was scheduled out for guns, troops, and trenches; Cromarty was
seized and fortified; and Rosyth works pushed on."
"You finished then, I suppose?"
"No fear. I went out to the Dominion of Canada to see how things were
going."
"And what did you find?"
"A German traveller in every train representing subsidised goods to cut
out our British trade. A German club in every town for the general
entertainment of spies. German women who were willing to sell their
souls to gain the secrets of State, and fools in Canada like our own
fools at home, who laughed at it all, who gave trade to these Germans,
who toyed with the women designed to lure and rob them of their
heritage. Worse, in every coast town on the Atlantic and Pacific there
were the same German waiters, the same rascally Consuls, the same old
League of the Fatherland. These men knew and had told the War Gods of
Berlin that the forts of Halifax, Quebec, and Esquimalt were almost
obsolete; that their guns were somewhat ancient; and that the Canadian
Militia system was inadequate, loosely organised, and unfit to provide
an auxiliary force for a sudden mobilisation to aid our Expeditionary
Force at home."
"Prove it," interjected Lieutenant Longlegs.
"Read Bernhardi's book. He got his information from these spies in the
Dominion of Canada."
"Well, what did you do?"
"I spoke to the man then at the helm of military matters. I emphasised
the dangers, and asked him what he was going to do. 'Young man,' said
he, 'we've enough to do. We've got a mighty fine country to develop and
people. We can't be pioneers and soldiers too. And we can't get men in
this country to soldier for a shilling a day.'"
"What did you say to that?"
"I simply said that there was some truth in his statements, but I also
pointed out that Canada, like America, was getting dollar mad.
Materialism, I argued, was beginning to be their all in all. Success had
made them a little selfish, and I showed him that up till then they had
contributed little in the way of ships to guard the Pacific against the
coming peril, and aid our merchant destroyers in the time of war. Of
course he got angry. Canadians don't like the truth. That was proved by
General Fearless, who chucked up his job there rather than command such
a system."
"But, you'll agree, they're playing the game now."
"Certainly, and they'll fight the Germans like devils; but my point is
this, that if they had had their Pacific Fleet thoroughly organised, we
might have been able to avoid disasters and have shortened the war. And,
of course, it is only fair to say that their new Defence Minister is
nobly trying to remedy the horrible slackness of the past. But politics
are the curse of Canada. Politics have retarded Canadian defence.
However, things will be better there after this war."
"Are the Australians the same?"
"Not quite. They have done more for true Imperial defence than any other
dominion. They have got national service. Every man is a soldier. And,
mark you, it was a Labour Government that introduced national service
into Australia. Now, that's a wonderful thing, when you consider that
Australians used to abhor discipline and stake their all on pleasure.
But these labour men realised the growing yellow peril. Again they had
plumped for a white Australia, and so they determined to defend a worthy
ideal. I grant you that their Fleet is somewhat small, that the
armaments of Sydney defences and other harbours need much attention. But
they can't do everything in a day. They have only a population of five
million to work on, and a great country to develop. What they have done
is wonderful, and they deserve the greatest credit."
"Then, have the Germans been working there too?"
"Yes. Australia was permeated with the German system of espionage. Their
commercial Huns have collared the metal market there. The North German
Lloyd Company have been trying for years to cut out the Orient Line and
the P. and O. And, in Sydney itself, I have heard the German Vice-Consul
drink to 'The Day,' and curse the Empire which kept his country out of
the sun. The Australians, like the Canadians and ourselves, were too
busy with other things to hunt out these tools of the Kaiser. However,
they have now got the order of the boot."
"Do your remarks apply to New Zealand?" inquired a sub.
"New Zealand," continued Greens, "is a land of patriots. The New
Zealanders call it God's country. That is a good name. It flows with
milk and honey, and its people have not forgotten how to love. Their
temperate climate has preserved all the nobility of our northern
temperament, while the general prosperity of the land has eliminated
almost every trace of the misery and poverty so characteristic of Great
Britain. The beauty of New Zealand is that it is small. Bill Jones of
Auckland in the North Island knows Tom Brown in Invercargill (South
Island). When Lizzie Smith of Wellington gets married, every townsman
and cockey in both islands wires his congratulations. A New Zealand lady
can give you the pedigree of every known family in the little Dominion.
And every one knew Dick Seddon, just as well as they know Bill Massey,
the present Premier of the Dominion. A Governor-General in New Zealand
is compelled to be 'At Home' to all--and a good thing too."
"What about defence?"
"Splendid! Their defence system is the same as that in Australia. Every
man carries a gun; better still, every one is delighted to carry his
gun. Their mounted men are wonderful, and they possess some of the
finest field artillery in our Imperial Army. One great mistake they made
was the installation of the German Telfunkin system of Wireless. They
were too honest, perhaps, to realise the full significance of such a
decision. And like Australians, Canadians, and Britishers, they have
been foolish enough to be courteous to the parasites who represented the
evil materialism of Kaiser Bill."
"You haven't said anything about the women?"
"Oh, charming!" interjected Greens, with a smile which suggested many
hours of delight with the ladies of the North and South Island. "And my
advice is this--if you want a real fine girl for a wife and chum, marry
a New Zealander."
"Cheer oh!" chirped Coronet, inviting all to drink to the girls of
Maoriland.
"At the same time, Greens, don't you think that our Secret Service is
just as good as the Germans?"
"Well--it's quite good. And its great merit is that it never speaks.
While the Germans openly vaunt their wonderful system, our men apply
themselves quietly and sternly to their task. Such a service includes
men of the most chivalrous and daring kind; it also numbers some of the
queer folks. You see they are not officially recognised. If nabbed in
the act, they must pay the price. While a thoroughly patriotic service,
it is, unfortunately, one which we can never honour in a truly public
way. There are skeletons 'neath the soil in all parts of Germany of many
noble fellows who have died for the Cause. In German fortresses you can
see others who foretold the war, who helped to place our Expeditionary
Force in the right spot to meet the great hordes who tried to capture
Paris. The work of these men has been accomplished throughout a period
when public opinion denied Germany's intentions and refused to affirm
the theories of such splendid prophets as the late Lord Roberts. Think
of the mental tortures of such patriots. Picture their agony and grief
when viewing the careless throng. How cruel! How maddening it must have
been! Yet each went on ploughing a lonely and dangerous furrow over the
fields of German espionage and defence. You talk about bravery under
shrapnel and in face of the bayonets of Huns! But it takes a brave heart
to do that job. And, mark you, if Germans are good at the game, the
French are as good, and the Russians infinitely better. It may be a
sound policy for us to allow the cocksure German spy to buy the faked
maps, plans, and news, and to stop the same from going through the post.
But public opinion ought to be more firm on the question of naturalised
Germans and their families. These are the men who have grown wealthy in
our midst, who have married our women, who have been honoured by the
greatest of our institutions; yet, all the while, their homes and
offices have been the centre of intrigue for the downfall of this land
of ours. The real German spy, who is unnaturalised, and risks his life,
deserves as much credit as the brave men of the Prussian Guard. But the
low swine who would sever the hand that has fed them are the ones we
should hound out of our country."
"But I say, Greens," interrupted Captain Coronet, "don't you think we
have frightened these bounders?"
"No. They are still working. And they even cover their sins by sending
their sons into the commissioned and other ranks of our forces. Many of
these boys fight gallantly for us, while their dirty old fathers are
playing a double game. I admit we must be generous. A German must remain
a German. He is entitled to his patriotism. Still, that is no argument
for our stupidity. Our land, our homes, our liberty, and our women are
dear to us. By heavens! we have got the finest heritage of all the
nations. It's worth fighting for; yes, worth dying for."
"Good old Greens," echoed the thrilled subalterns. Then Longlegs started
him off again by the sceptical inquiry--
"Look here, Greens, can you prove what you say? If you can catch a real
live spy in Mudtown within the next month, I'll stand champagne all
round."
"Done," said Greens, with an emphasis which startled all. "But, I say,
it's two _A.M._ We've been talking for hours. We'd better go to bed.
Good-night."
"Good-night, Greens," answered his fellow-officers, remaining a little
behind to discuss the wonderful phase of his character which Greens had
so well revealed.
"Longlegs," said Coronet, as he turned into his sleeping bags, "you've
lost your bet. Greens will keep his word."
"Good luck to him," replied the long subaltern as he also went off into
the arms of Morpheus.
----
For many nights Greens was absent from dinner. This did not surprise
those in the know. He was spy-hunting. Though the military and police
had terrified many of the fraternity, Greens knew that he would at least
catch one. So he lounged carelessly through the streets, casually
glancing at every face. Unlike the average policeman, he did not search
for the square head, flaxen hair, and soft-footed Teuton. He could tell
by their eyes. Strange as this may seem, any Intelligence Officer will
substantiate the same. The spy has that peculiar glint of cunning, with
a touch of the haunted and hunted, and the shifty movements which always
suggest a base intent. Such a keen student of espionage found little
difficulty in locating his man. Nevertheless he waited almost a
fortnight before he got his chance, and then it came almost
unexpectedly. While lounging carelessly in a public place, he was amazed
to hear a man using German gutturals behind. This person was inquiring
of his friend, in a somewhat casual style, as to the number of troops in
the town, where they were located, and what was their job in the event
of any attack. Listening intently, he discovered a keen German brain
analysing all the replies of the honest and simple-minded citizen.
Through a mirror the observant officer studied the face of the spy.
Strong, almost English, with firm set lines and a chin suggesting
courage of a bull-dog kind. An excellent type for such a mission. His
flaxen hair and a slight student cut on the lip were the only outward
signs of his race. His English, to an ordinary man, would have passed
unobserved, but Greens detected the thick guttural now and again, as
well as a furtive glance towards his own person. This German agent was
unaware of the keen scrutiny which he was being subjected to through the
mirror. Nor did he imagine that the officer who paid his bill and went
out would confront him again with his escort of soldiers.
"Who is he?" asked Greens of the proprietor.
"A German, sir."
"Thank you, I'll be back in a minute," and off went the spy hunter to
the nearest billet.
There he collared an escort, and marched to the place again. The German
was just going out.
"Excuse me, aren't you a German?"
"Yes, sir. Here is my passport, signed by the Foreign Secretary, also my
birth certificate," replied the Teuton, pulling out the bonds of safety
which a sleepy officialdom gives to the enemies of our country.
"Naturalised?"
"Yes, certainly; my mother and friends are knitting socks for the
troops," he answered testily.
"You seem to be interested in our troops here?"
"Everybody is--it's natural at a time like this."
"Perhaps," said Greens, stroking his chin and sizing up his man in case
of emergency.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm an agent for iron goods."
"The name of your firm?"
"----, London."
"That's an alien firm."
"A naturalised German. You don't deny us the right to live?"
"No, but I deny you the right to spy."
"You are insolent, and you will be asked to prove your words," said the
German in a threatening way.
"Keep cool! Now, look here, this passport shows that you were in Germany
at the time of mobilisation. It also shows that you were in France at
the time that the advance was made on Paris. Can you explain?"
"Of course, I was on business for my firm."
"The Secret Service, eh?"
"No, sir; again you insult me."
"Very well; quick march."
"I refuse."
"Take him off," ordered Greens sternly to the escort.
"Uh!" was the fierce exclamation of the baffled Teuton, stepping on with
his guards. He was quickly placed under lock and key. In his bag Greens
found correspondence in code, envelopes from a famous "firm" which
always paid well for information, as well as a heap of notes and gold. A
simple citizen and the ordinary policeman would have passed this man as
innocent, but Greens found a clever Intelligence Officer who labelled
this German as an Inspector of the Espionage System. He travelled around
for his iron goods. He also called on his local "friends," and paid good
cash for "services rendered," as many receipts in his possession showed.
In a few words, Greens proved his contention that this man, like
thousands more, was a spy, immune from arrest because of
naturalisation,--a scrap of paper which ought to be ruthlessly burned
and disregarded when found on any of German birth or origin. There was a
smile on Greens' face as he entered the mess-room that evening.
"Why that smile?" inquired Longlegs.
"The smile means champagne. Your spy is in the garrison guard-room, and
to-morrow, no doubt, will find him interned for many a long day."
"Cheer ho," yelled the subs, gathering round to hear the spy-hunting
exploit. That was the last spy caught in Mudtown. The German Secret
Service labelled it "Dangerous." If every policeman was as alert as
Greens, all of these naturalised scoundrels would be under lock and key
to-day.