"I'm not sure about that," said Maurice, puffing into Johann's
face. "When cabinet ministers play spy, small fry like you will
not cavil at the occupation. And you are not in their pay?"
Johann glared. "I want to know," Maurice went on, "what you know;
what you know of Colonel Beauvais, his plans, his messengers to
the duchy, what is taking place underneath."
Johann's face cleared and a cunning light brightened his eyes.
"If that is all you are after, I'll tell you. I'm a spy no
longer; they have no more use for me, despite their promises.
I'll play them off for quits."
"If that's all," repeated Maurice, "what did you think I wanted
to ask you?"
Johann bit his lip. "I'm wanted badly by the chancellor, curse
you, if you must know. I thought he might be behind you."
"Don't worry about that," said Maurice, to whom this declaration
seemed plausible. "We'll talk as we go along."
And Johann loosened his tongue and poured into Maurice's ear a
tale which, being half a truth, had all the semblance of
straightforwardness. What he played for was time; to gain time
and to lull his captor's suspicions.
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