Captain von Tappken's private office. He wore the undress ranking
uniform of the Imperial Navy. This is significant, for it is
characteristic of all the branches of the Prussian Service to find
officers in charge. The secretaries and men of all work, however, are
civilians; this for a reason. The heads of all departments are German
officers, recruited from the old feudal aristocracy, loyal to a degree
to the throne. They find it incompatible, notwithstanding their
loyalty, to soil their hands with some of the work connected with all
government duties, especially those of the Secret Service. Though
planning the work, they never execute it. To be sure, there are
ex-officers connected with the Secret Service, men like von Zenden,
formerly an officer of the Zweiter Garde Dragoner, but with some few
exceptions they are usually men who have gone to smash. No active or
commissioned officer does Secret Service work.

Von Tappken greeted me very tactfully. This is another typical asset
of a Prussian Service officer, especially a naval man, and is quite
contrary to the usual characteristics of English officials, whose
brusqueness is too well and unpleasantly known.

After offering me a chair and cigars, Captain von Tappken began
chatting.

"Well, Doctor," he said, "have you made up your mind to enter our
Service? For a man fond of traveling and adventure, I promise you
will find it tremendously interesting. I have carefully considered
your equipment and experience and find that they will be of mutual
benefit."

I asked him to explain what would be required of me, but he replied: