Wassmuss is a remarkable man.

Before the war he was consul in Bagdad or somewhere, and he must have improved his time, for he knows enough now to keep all the tribes stirred up against Russians and British.

The Germans send him money, and he scatters it like corn among the hens; but the money would be little use without brains.

The Germans admire him greatly, and he certainly seems a man to be wondered at.

But he is the one weak point, nevertheless--the only key that can open a door for us." "But if he is too wary to be caught ?" said I.
"Who knows ?" he answered with another of those short gruff laughs.
"But I know this," said he, "that from afar hills look like a blank wall, yet come closer and the ends of valleys open.