Night Journey Read Online Free PDF Page B

that they are familiar to every Naval Attaché in the country, no attempt having been made to keep them secret. Otherwise he would in no circumstances have consented to obtain them. But naturally he does not tell his friend this. Am I boring you, Dr Mencken?”
    â€œNot at all.”
    â€œWell, you see, this goes on. From time to time now he yields to the temptation to earn easy money, and if now and then he refuses to do something because he thinks the release of the information is prejudicial to Italy—then no pressure is brought to bear on him. So everyone is satisfied. Captain Bonini keeps his conscience clear and his pocket not too empty. From time to time it has no doubt occurred to him that the information asked for is outside the scope of the ordinary news agency, but he thinks it better on all grounds not to inquire too closely. A nice balance, as you’ll appreciate. However, when Italy enters the war this is all changed. He calls a halt. It is the end. He is a patriot. No more informtions however innocuous. His conscience won’t allow it.”
    A puffing and blowing at the cigar.
    â€œFor the first time my friend, the head of the credit house, shows his teeth. What of the money still owing, he asks? It will be found. When? In good time. Sometime will not do; it must be found at once. How? The usual way. No, no, it is impossible. Nothing is impossible except to back out now. Captain Bonini makes his last stand. Very well, he will go down for his principles. Let them bankrupt him for debt; he strikes an attitude; sooner that than betray his country. (Perhaps he thinks he is calling their bluff.) But suddenly they no longer, threaten bankruptcy; that is nothing. If he backs out now, information will reach the Fascist headquarters in Rome that for over a year he has been selling information to a foreign and now an enemy power. Corroborative evidence, painstakingly accumulated, will accompany the disclosure. It is not now his pocket or his pretty ladies, no indeed, nor even his career which are threatened, it is his life. Mussolini has a short way with traitors. Captain Bonini blusters and threatens, but eventually gives in.” An expressive gesture with two bent thumbs. “ The fish is landed. He can struggle no more.”
    Andrews took out his bright spotted handkerchief and wiped his neck. The room was warm and the story had been told with energy.
    â€œAn unwilling traitor is always dangerous,” I said.
    â€œAll traitors are dangerous, Mencken, whatever their personal feelings. But that is how we live. That is how we have to live. I’ll give you his address and full instructions before you go. As his secretary you should be accepted without question. Once you’ve made contact with him you’ll be under his orders until you return to Venice. But I don’t think you need fear that Bonini will let you down, because on your safety depends his own.”
    The smoke he had given me was really a cheroot and was strong and green. It tasted as if the leaves had been plucked about a week ago, and most of the time I let it burn like a dangerous fuse between my fingers.
    â€œHow do I make contact with you again?”
    â€œCome to-morrow afternoon at six. Then not again until it is all over. You’ll be in Milan, I expect, about five days. And that Veronese product, Valpolicella, is in my opinion superior, signore , to most Bordeaux wines. Naturally it is a matter of taste, but given perfect conditions …”
    He had changed not only the subject but the language. His hearing must have been very acute, because someone then knocked on the door.
    â€œCome in,” said Andrews. “ What do you drink in Lisbon, signore ? Not only Port, I hope. I find the flavour too heavy for my palate …”
    A tall thin man came in. He leaned against the side of the door warily and looked at me with faded blue, bloodshot eyes. Then he closed the door and