"I have promised General Roeder to get him the names and addresses and have told him that you will supply them. He will send for the list directly. What am I to say to him?"
"You will tell him that I have refused to give it."
Sturm crossed his arms and approached Frederic.
"And do you think that I will allow a man under my orders to refuse me anything?"
"I think you will reflect that you gave me not only an unjust but a dishonouring order and you will appreciate the reason of my refusal. Let me go, general, and call a police officer; he will not refuse you, for it will be all in his work."
"Baron," replied Sturm, "I considered I was sending the king a good servant for whom I asked a reward. I cannot reward a man of whom I have to complain. Give me back His Majesty's letter."
Frederic disdainfully tossed the letter on the table. The general's face grew purple, livid marks appeared upon it, his eyes flamed.
"I will write to the king," he cried furiously, "and he will learn how his officers serve him."
"Write your account, sir, and I will write mine," answered Frederic, "and he will see how his generals dishonour him."
Sturm rushed and seized his horsewhip.