Frankly, Hannay, I don't believe that part of his story.
There's some nasty business afoot, and he found out too much and lost his life over it.

But I am ready to take my oath that it is ordinary spy work.

A certain great European Power makes a hobby of her spy system, and her methods are not too particular.

Since she pays by piecework her blackguards are not likely to stick at a murder or two.
They want our naval dispositions for their collection at the Marineamt; but they will be pigeon-holed--nothing more.' Just then the butler entered the room.
'There's a trunk-call from London, Sir Walter.

It's Mr 'Eath, and he wants to speak to you personally.' My host went off to the telephone.
He returned in five minutes with a whitish face.