Captain von Tappken looked at me inquiringly, but I hesitated. It was
not on account of monetary causes, but for peculiarly private
reasons--the dilemma of one of our house becoming a spy. The Captain,
unaware of the personal equation that was obsessing me before giving
my word, evidently thought that his financial inducements were not
alluring enough.

"Of course," he continued, "this scale of pay is only the beginning.
As your use to us and the importance of your missions increases, so
will your remuneration. That depends entirely on you."

He raised his eyebrows inquiringly.

"Very well," I said. "I accept."

He held out his hand. "You made up your mind quickly."

"It is my way, Captain. I take a thing or leave it."

"That's what I like, Doctor; a quick, decisive mind."

That seemed to please him.

"Very well. To be of use to us, you w ill need a lot of technical
coaching. Are you ready to start tomorrow?"

"Now, Captain."

"Very good," he said, "but to-morrow will do. Be here at ten A. M.