He replied promptly:

"That depends entirely on the service performed. In the first
instance you will receive a retaining fee of 4000 marks ($1000) a
year. You will be allowed 10 marks ($2.50) a day for living expenses,
whether in active service or not. For each individual piece of work
undertaken you will receive a bonus, the amount of which will vary
with the importance of the mission. Living expenses accruing while
out on work must not exceed 40 marks ($10) a day. The amount of the
bonus you are to receive for a mission will in each case be determined
in advance. There is one other thing. One-third of all moneys
accruing to you w ill be kept in trust for you at the rate of 5 per
cent interest."

I laughed and said:

"Well, Captain, I can take care of my own money."

He permitted the shadow of a smile to play around his mouth.

"You may be able to," he said, "but most of our agents cannot. We
have this policy for two reasons: In the first place, it gives us a
definite hold upon our men. Secondly, we have found that unless we
save some money for our agents, they never save any for themselves.
In the event of anything happening to an agent who leaves a family or
other relatives, the money is handed over to them."

I later cursed that rule, for when I was captured in England there
were 30,000 marks ($7,500) due me at the Wilhelmstrasse and I can
whistle for it now.