"I am sorry," I said. "I should have hit you on the point of your
chin; but I was in a great hurry. Did you ever try raw meat as a
poultice?"

"Enough of this," he snapped, laying a pistol on the table. I was
considered dangerous; it was something to know that. "You must answer
my questions."

"Must?"

"Must."

"Young man you have no tact. You are not an accomplished villain,"
said I, pleasantly. "You should begin by asking me how I spent the
night, and if there was not something you could do for my material
comfort. Perhaps, however, you will first answer a few questions of
mine?"

"There are only two men whose questions I answer," he said.

"And who might they be?"

"My commander and the King. I will answer one question--the reason you
are here. You are a menace to the tranquility of the State."

"Oh; then I have the honor of being what is called a prisoner of State?
Be careful," I cried, suddenly; "that pistol might go off, and then the
American Minister might ask you in turn some questions, disagreeable
ones, too."

"The American Minister would never know anything about it," said he,
gruffly. "But have no fear; I should hesitate to soil an innocent
leaden bullet in your carcass."