“France is mobilising as fast as she can,” Hebblethwaite announced.  “We have reports coming in that Germany has been at it for at least a week, secretly.  They say that Austrian troops have crossed into Poland.  There isn’t anything definite yet, but it’s war, without a doubt, war just as we’d struck the right note for peace.  Russia was firm but splendid.  Austria was wavering.  Just at the critical moment, like a thunderbolt, came Germany’s declaration of war.  Here’s Mr. Bullen.  Now go ahead, Norgate.”

Mr. Bullen came into the room, recognised Norgate, and stopped short.

“So you’re here again, young man, are you?” he exclaimed.  “I don’t know why you’ve sent for me, Hebblethwaite, but if you take my advice, you won’t let that young fellow go until you’ve asked him a few questions.”

“Mr. Norgate is a friend of mine,” Hebblethwaite said.  “I think you will find—­”

“Friend or no friend,” the Irishman interrupted, “he is a traitor, and I tell you so to his face.”

“That is exactly what I wished you to tell Mr. Hebblethwaite,” Norgate remarked, nodding pleasantly.  “I just want you to recall the circumstances of my first visit here.”

“You came and offered me a bribe of a million pounds,” Mr. Bullen declared, “if I would provoke a civil war in Ireland in the event of England getting into trouble.  I wasn’t sure whom you were acting for then, but I am jolly certain now.  That young fellow is a German spy, Hebblethwaite.”

“Mr. Hebblethwaite knew that quite well,” admitted Norgate coolly.  “I came and told him so several times.  I think that he even encouraged me to do my worst.”

“Look here, Norgate,” Hebblethwaite intervened, “I’m certain you are driving at something serious.  Let’s have it.”

“Quite right, I am,” Norgate assented.  “I just wanted to testify to you that Mr. Bullen’s reply to my offer was the patriotic reply of a loyal Irishman.  I did offer him that million pounds on behalf of Germany, and he did indignantly refuse it, but the point of the whole thing is—­my report to Germany.”

“And that?” Mr. Hebblethwaite asked eagerly.

“I reported Mr. Bullen’s acceptance of the sum,” Norgate told them.  “I reported that civil war in Ireland was imminent and inevitable and would come only the sooner for any continental trouble in which England might become engaged.”

Mr. Hebblethwaite’s face cleared.

“I begin to understand now, Norgate,” he muttered.  “Good fellow!”

Mr. Bullen was summoned in hot haste by one of his supporters and hurried out.  Norgate drew his chair a little closer to his friend’s.

“Look here, Hebblethwaite,” he said, “you wouldn’t listen to me, you know—­I don’t blame you—­but I knew the truth of what I was saying.  I knew what was coming.  The only thing I could do to help was to play the double traitor.  I did it.  My chief, who reported to Berlin that this civil war was inevitable, will get it in the neck, but there’s more to follow.  The Baroness von Haase and I were associated in an absolutely confidential mission to ascertain the likely position of Italy in the event of this conflict.  I know for a fact that Italy will not come in with her allies.”