‘But you’re an American citizen?’
‘Well, so was Jack James an American citizen, but he’s doin’ time in Portland all the same. It cuts no ice with a British copper to tell him you’re an American citizen. “It’s British law and order over here,” says he. By the way, mister, talking of Jack James, it seems to me you don’t do much to cover your men.’
‘What do you mean?’ Von Bork asked, sharply.
‘Well, you are their employer, ain’t you? It’s up to you to see that they don’t fall down. But they do fall down and when did you ever pick them up? There’s James—’
‘It was James’s own fault. You know that yourself. He was too self-willed for the job.’
‘James was a bonehead—I give you that. Then there was Hollis.’
‘The man was mad.’
‘Well, he went a bit woozy towards the end. It’s enough to make a man bughouse when he has to play a part from mornin’ to night with a hundred guys all ready to set the coppers wise to him. But now there is Steiner—’
Von Bork started violently, and his ruddy face turned a shade paler.
‘What about Steiner?’
‘Well, they’ve pulled him, that’s all. They raided his store last night, and he and his papers are all in Portsmouth Jail. You’ll go off and he, poor devil, will have to stand the racket, and lucky if he gets clear with his life. That’s why I want to get over the salt water as soon as you do.’
Von Bork was a strong, self-contained man, but it was easy to see that the news had shaken him.
‘How could they have got on to Steiner?’ he muttered. ‘That’s the worst blow yet.’
‘Well, you nearly had a darned sight worse one, for I believe they are not far off me.’
‘You don’t mean that!’
‘Sure thing. My landlady down Fratton way had some inquiries, and when I heard of it I guessed it was time for me to hustle. But what I want to know, mister, is how the coppers know these things? Steiner is the fifth man you’ve lost since I signed on with you, and I know the name of the sixth if I don’t get a move on. How do you explain it, and ain’t you ashamed to see your men go down like this?’
Von Bork flushed crimson.
‘How dare you speak in such a way!’
‘If I didn’t dare things, mister, I wouldn’t be in your service. But I’ll tell you straight what is in my mind. I’ve heard that with you German politicians, when an agent has done his work you are not very sorry to see him put away where he can’t talk too much.’
Von Bork sprang to his feet.
‘Do you dare to suggest that I have given away my own agents!’