Well satisfied with my prospects, I arose early the next morning and
walked briskly to Captain Tappken's office. Punctually at ten o'clock
I announced myself at the Admiralty and after the usual procedure with
the door man, I was received by Herr von Stammer, private secretary of
Captain Tappken. A very astute and calculating gentleman is Herr von
Stammer. Suave, genial, talkative, he has the plausible and unstudied
art of extracting information without committing himself in turn. A
marvelous encyclopædia of devious Secret Service facts, an ideal
tutor.

When we were alone in his office, von Stammer began by saying
abruptly:

"From now on, you must be entirely and absolutely at our Service. You
will report daily at twelve noon by telephoning a certain number. At
all times you must be accessible. You will pay close attention to the
following rules:

"Absolute silence in regard to your missions. No conversation with
minor officials but only with the respective heads of departments or
to whomever you are sent. You will make no memoranda nor carry
written documents. You will never discuss your affairs with any
employee in the Service whom you may meet. You are not likely to meet
many. It is strictly against the rules to become friendly or intimate
with any agent. You must abstain from intoxicating liquors. You are
not permitted to have any women associates. You will be known to us
by a number. You will sign all your reports by that number. Always
avoid telephoning, telegraphing and cabling as much as possible. In
urgent cases do so, but use the cipher that will be supplied to you."