VIA BERLIN
“With baited breath the two men waited”—Page 103.
VIA BERLIN
BY
CRITTENDEN MARRIOTT
Author of
“Sally Castleton, Southerner”, etc.
ROBERT J. SHORES
NEW YORK
Copyright, 1917, by
ROBERT J. SHORES, Publisher
New York
VIA BERLIN
[Pg 11-12]
PREFACE
The veil of diplomacy screens many secrets—mostof them for many years. But the veil is notimpenetrable; from time to time a corner lifts, disclosinga fact long-suspected but never quite comprehended,a fact that fits into a history thithertoincomplete.
So of this tale! Its substance is not altogethernew. For years rumors of it have floated in andout of diplomatic antechambers in half truths andpartial explanations that lacked the master keythat would give them form and coherence. Now,now when the event itself is well-nigh forgotten,comes the great war to supply the key to the puzzle—themissing fragment, round which all theother fragments range themselves in one consistentwhole.
Fancy? Guesswork? Gossip? Perhaps. Theveil has dropped again and much may still be hiddenbehind it. But those who read the tale in thelight of later events—of events of yesterday andevents still in progress—are likely to put morefaith in it than in many of the solemn lies of history.
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VIA BERLIN
CHAPTER I
The Secretary of State leaned back in his chairand studied the young man before him. “Sitdown, Mr. Topham,” he said at last.
Topham sat down. He was a good-lookingyoung fellow, soldierly and straight as a ramrod,but without the stiffness that usually goes with amilitary carriage. His tanned face and, in fact,his whole bearing spoke of an out-door life—probablya life on the sea. Such an occupation was alsoindicated by his taciturnity, for he said nothing,though the secretary waited long, as if to give hima chance to speak.
Finally the secretary seemed satisfied. “Mr.Topham,” he said, “I have asked you to call on mefor a purpose not connected, so far as I see atpresent, with your mission to Japan. Concerningthat, I have nothing to add to the instructions alreadygiven you. Your reports will, of course, beto the Secretary of the Navy and you will of coursenot forget that your duties as naval attaché to ourembassy at Tokio include t