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102 Kaiser's imminent departure on his trip to the North, so the anxious concealment of that meeting was not less necessary.

His trip to the North had been planned beforehand. Its postponement might have aroused suspicion. Now it became a means to lull Europe into security. How could any idea of the gravity of the situation arise when the German Emperor and his Fleet had gone on a cruise to the North!

On July 7th he started on his journey, from which he did not return until the 27th. While at sea he remained, of course, in constant touch with Berlin. These endeavours to hoodwink Europe produced some peculiar fruit. Thus, on July 11th, Count Wedel, one of the Kaiser's suite, telegraphed from Bergen:

""On submitting the customary congratulatory telegram drafted by the Foreign Office for the King of Serbia's birthday to-morrow, His Majesty commanded me to inquire of your Excellency whether such a telegram appears necessary and harmless at the present moment""

To this Jagow replied:

""As Vienna has not yet taken any steps whatever in Belgrade, the omission of the customary telegram would be too remarkable and might give rise to premature uneasiness. Recommend, therefore, its dispatch.""

So upon the dear cousin, whom they had declared a bloodthirsty murderer, all the blessings of Heaven were hastily called down in the tenderest terms, before the dagger was plunged into his back.