you know, I was instructed to obtain information on certain naval
matters, and I had a great difficulty in getting it. You see, I
couldn't get introduced in the right quarters. By and by I discovered
that a retired Admiral who was in the secrets of the Admiralty lived in
a little out-of-the-way place in Cornwall. I learnt all that was
possible about his fads and prejudices, and then went down there as an
Alsatian."

"An Alsatian, eh?"

"Yes, as an Alsatian, who, although bearing a German name, was a
suspect by the Germans on account of his love of France. It was a move
which presented certain difficulties, but, having considered
everything, I thought it best to risk it. You see, I went down as a
lover of peace, as one who was tired of the militarism of Germany and
wanted the quiet and rest which only such a place could afford."

Both of the men laughed heartily at this.

"Of course I looked the part. I adopted the circular spectacles, and
assumed the manner befitting my role. I knew that a Count von Weimer
lived in Alsace, knew also that this old fool of an Admiral had heard
of him. So I went to the golf links."

"Golf links?"

"Yes. I knew that a young chap called Nancarrow often played there,
and that he was very friendly with the Admiral's family. A worshipper
of his daughter in fact. This Nancarrow is of Quaker descent on his
father's side, and is a sort of peace-at-any-price fellow. Rather a
nice chap, but brought up with his father's notions. As luck would
have it, a match had been arranged between Nancarrow and a rival for
the Admiral's daughter's affections, and the old man was present. You
see, my star was in the ascendant. Of course I followed the match as
an ignorant but ardent admirer of the game."

"I see. Spare me the details."

"Pooh! the tricks of a child! I feel almost ashamed of them! Of
course I made no attempt to get introduced to the old fool just then,
but in Continental fashion I praised the prowess of the young one. I,
the simple foreigner, thought him wonderful! Eh?"

"Just so."

"Naturally I met him later--of course by accident. I played my cards
carefully. I was a rich man charmed by the place, and was on the look
out for a house to buy. What could one want more? Eh?"

"Exactly."

"Of course I had seen a house of the Admiral's that was for sale, and I
hated dealing with house agents. Would it be possible to deal direct
with the Admiral? The little fly