The Secrets of the German War Office | Page 5

required of me that is against all
ethics."
I noticed a peculiar smile crossing his features. Then, looking me
straight between the eyes and using the sharp, incisive language of a
German official, he declared:
"We make use of the same weapons that are used against us. We cannot
afford to be squeamish. The interests at stake are too vast to let
personal ethical questions stand in the way. What would be required of
you in the first instance, is to gain for us information such as we seek.
The means by which you gain this information will be left entirely to
your own discretion. We expect results. We place our previous
knowledge on the subject required, at your disposal. You will have our

organization to assist you, but you must understand that we cannot and
will not be able to extricate you from any trouble in which you may
become involved. Be pleased to understand this clearly. This service is
dangerous, and no official assistance or help could be given under any
circumstances."
To my cost, I later found this to be the truth. So far, so good. Captain
von Tappken had neglected to mention financial inducements and I put
the question to him.
He replied promptly:
"That depends entirely on the service performed. In the first instance
you will receive a retaining fee of 4000 marks ($1000) a year. You will
be allowed 10 marks ($2.50) a day for living expenses, whether in
active service or not. For each individual piece of work undertaken you
will receive a bonus, the amount of which will vary with the
importance of the mission. Living expenses accruing while out on work
must not exceed 40 marks ($10) a day. The amount of the bonus you
are to receive for a mission will in each case be determined in advance.
There is one other thing. One-third of all moneys accruing to you w ill
be kept in trust for you at the rate of 5 per cent interest."
I laughed and said:
"Well, Captain, I can take care of my own money."
He permitted the shadow of a smile to play around his mouth.
"You may be able to," he said, "but most of our agents cannot. We have
this policy for two reasons: In the first place, it gives us a definite hold
upon our men. Secondly, we have found that unless we save some
money for our agents, they never save any for themselves. In the event
of anything happening to an agent who leaves a family or other
relatives, the money is handed over to them."
I later cursed that rule, for when I was captured in England there were
30,000 marks ($7,500) due me at the Wilhelmstrasse and I can whistle
for it now.
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.
Then give us daily as much of your time as we require."
He called in one of his secretaries, gave him command briefly and in a
few minutes the man was back with an order for three hundred marks.
"This, Doctor, is your first month's living expenses. Retaining fees are
paid quarterly."
As I pocketed the check I remarked:
"Captain, personally we are total strangers. How is it that you seem so
satisfied with me?"
Again his peculiar smile was noticeable.
"That is outside our usual business procedure," he said. "I have my
instructions from above and I simply act on them."
I was young then, and curious so I asked:
"Who are those above and what are their instructions?"
No sooner had I put that question than I learned my first lesson in the
Secret Service. All traces of genial friendliness vanished from von
Tappken's face. It was stern and serious.
"My boy," he said slowly, "learn this