human
What do you want of me now?
gpt
Our men have done pretty good work so far, but we must do much better. Our greatest success has been in holding together the Germans here and in creating in their minds a proper attitude toward the fatherland. You and men like you have been invaluable there. But we must take more vigorous steps. A little has been done. We've stirred up a lot of unrest, and we have the pacifists working nicely. He chuckled.
human
That I. W. W. organization was made to our order. He paused a moment, and then said, significantly,
gpt
And there is quite a satisfying number of tons of munitions that have exploded here in America--instead of over the trenches occupied by our army.
human
Yes, said von Essen,
gpt
More help, of course. You recognize your duty to the fatherland?
human
Naturally,
gpt
Propaganda and singing societies aren't going to win this war for us, said the stranger, flatly.
human
For one thing, millions of tons of iron ore are coming down these lakes, through the Sault Sainte Marie locks, through the St. Clair ship-canal. That ore makes rifles and cannon and shells for the Allies. It would be a great service to the Emperor to interfere with that traffic, and the surest way is to--er--discontinue the use of the canals. That's one thing. Then Detroit is manufacturing more and more munitions, and motor-trucks, and other things to help the enemy. There's a fine bit of work to be done right here. You can be most useful here. You have influence, and a man in your position will go without suspicion. Do you see?
gpt
I see, said von Essen, gruffly,
human
Nonsense! You'll be telling me you have scruples against such a thing next. And you haven't.
gpt
I haven't, said von Essen.
human
I'd like to see every munition-plant in America blown to hell.
gpt
Excellent so far.... When this war is over a German is going to be an envied man in this world. Once a man boasted that he was a Roman citizen; after we are through he'll boast that he's a German citizen. Our Emperor knows how to reward service--either with money or with honors.
human
I don't need the Emperor's money,
gpt
But the honors, eh? Suppose you should be recalled to the fatherland and ennobled, eh? Made a count, let us say? You have the wealth to support the position.
human
Uh!
gpt
But to wear honors one must earn them. You have been picked because you are the right man. We do not make mistakes. We need you.
human
No,
gpt
Listen, Herr von Essen, said the stranger, his voice changing its tone from silkiness to something bordering on arrogance.
human
Last Thursday you rode to the city in your limousine with Mr. Bradley. I can repeat to you every word of your conversation. It was an unimportant conversation, but I know what was said. I can tell you what you had for dinner two weeks ago, and what you will have to-morrow. I can tell you every movement you have made for months.
gpt
Well,
human
I have not wasted time on you for nothing. I say we need you--and you are going to do what you are told.
gpt
No. Why should I run risks? I'm willing to help in a reasonable way, but this dynamiting business--
human
Out of several hundred men serving the Emperor in this country, half a dozen have been caught. There is no risk, and there will be great gain. It is not for you to refuse or accept. You have your orders, Herr von Essen.
gpt
You can't give me orders. I'm an American citizen--
human
Bosh!... Last week there was an explosion in an armory in a Canadian town not far from here. It did quite a satisfactory bit of damage. I'm sure the Emperor will appreciate it.
gpt
That armory explosion--did you arrange that?
human
I?... Oh no, Herr von Essen! _You_ did.
gpt
I! You're crazy.
human
The records show--our secret records. You have the credit there.... Now, Herr von Essen, will you obey orders?
gpt
No. What do your secret records matter to me?
human
If I put information in the hands of the clumsy American agents that Herr von Essen is excessively pro-German and that it might be well to inquire where he was the night of that so-called outrage, they might be interested, eh?... And if it was hinted that a search of your premises would unearth a considerable quantity of explosives, and some extremely novel and effective bombs and infernal machines?... I should hate to do that, Herr.
gpt
But I was not where you say on that night--that Friday night.
human
No, Herr von Essen? Shall I tell you where you were? You were with me. Alone with me, as I took excellent pains to see you would be. Nobody knows where you were but myself--and I would be unable to come to your assistance, of course. I'm afraid there would be evidence directly against you, however. It would look black for you if your chauffeur were to swear that he carried you to a point on the river and saw you meet two other men, and that you had baggage which you carried, oh, so carefully. Eh? And if he saw you cross the river, partly on the ice and partly with boats? It would look bad.