How well
I had succeeded, however, was very problematical; for I could not know
what particular information he sought. I was satisfied, however, his
main purpose was to discover whether I had any knowledge or suspicion
of him being back of Madeline Spencer. And I was not so sure I had
bluffed him. I began to fancy he had seen through me, at once, and had
played me off against myself, so to speak. And, the longer I
meditated, the more the fancy gripped me. Finally, in disgust, I
summoned Bernheim and Moore.
"Which of you," said I, "will do me the favor of a few passes with the
foils?"
Of course, they both offered.
"Good," said I; "I'll take you, in turn. Send an orderly to the armory
for the paraphernalia."
I fell to divesting myself of my upper garments, and Bernheim and Moore
followed suit.
"By the way," I said, "what sort of a fencer is Lotzen?"
Bernheim turned and looked at me, sharply. Moore stopped with his
shirt half off and did the same.
"There is only one better in Valeria," said Bernheim.
"So!" said I. "And he?"
The grey eyes twinkled and he actually smiled as he answered.
"Colonel Moore, of Your Highness's Personal Staff."
It was my turn to be surprised.
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