CHAPTER TWENTY

THE MAJOR'S PAPERS

It was perfectly evident that the officer's purpose in sending for Tom,
whatever that was, was considerably affected by the boy's own remarks,
and he now, after pondering a few moments, handed Tom the two papers
which he had been holding.

"Just glance that over and then I'll talk to you," he said.

Tom felt very important, indeed, and somewhat perturbed as well, for
though he had carried many dispatches it had never been his lot to know
their purport.

"If you know the importance and seriousness of what I am thinking of
letting you do," the officer said, "perhaps it will help you to be very
careful and thorough."

"Yes, sir," said Tom, awkwardly.

"All right, just glance that over."

The two papers were clipped together, and as Tom looked at the one on
top he saw that it was soiled and creased and written in German. The
other was evidently a translation of it. It seemed to be a letter the
first part of which was missing, and this is what Tom read:

"but, as you say, everything for the Fatherland. If you receive this
let them know that I'll have my arms crossed and to be careful
before they shoot. If you don't get this I'll just have to take my
chance. The other way isn't worth trying. As for the code key, that
will be safe enough--they'll never find it. If it wasn't for the ----
English service ---- (worn and undecipherable) ---- as far as that's
concerned. As far as I can ascertain we'll go on the T.P. There was
some inquiry about my close relationship to you, but nothing
serious. All you have to do is cheer when they play the S.S.B. over
here. It isn't known if Schmitter had the key to this when they
caught him because he died on Ellis Island. But it's being abandoned
to be on the safe side. I have notice from H. not to use it after
sending this letter. If we can get the new one in your hands
before ---- (text undecipherable) ---- in time so it can be used
through Mexico.

"I'll have much information to communicate verbally in T. and A.
matters, but will bring nothing in ---- ---- form but key and
credentials. The idea is L.'s--you remember him at Heidelberg, I
dare say. I brought him back once for holiday. Met him through
Handel, the fellow who was troubled with cataract. V. has furnished
funds. So don't fail to have them watch out.

"To the day,

"A. P."

"So yo