He shook his head.
"It is not for me. I cannot read my superior's letters. I could not act upon it if I did."
"But, good God, man, these women may be in desperate peril! You must read it!"
He shook his head again with dogged obstinacy.
At that I lost all control of myself, and with an oath I threw myself upon him to drag him out of the way of my escape from the place.
He clung to me, and wrestled furiously, and with a call brought in the two men, who soon overpowered and forced me back in my chair, fuming with rage.
"It is useless to struggle," he said in his cold, even tone. "I have my orders, and more than enough strength to see that they are obeyed."
I recognized the force of this, and, though I cursed the blockhead stolidity of the man, I could do nothing but yield.
I ceased to struggle, but felt like a madman in my baffled fury and fear for Minna. Heaven alone knew what use von Nauheim might make of this opportunity.