CHAPTER XXIII
THE PURSUIT
"Will you cease to resist if my men leave you?" asked the officer after I had been quiet some time.
"Yes, but I shall hold you responsible for the consequences of this detention of me, and they may be heavy and serious," I replied.
"I am only acting under orders," was his answer, and he signed to the men to withdraw again. "I am sorry you have compelled me to resort to force. It was not my wish."
"How long will Major Gessler be?"
"It is impossible to say. He may return in five minutes or in five hours; I can have no idea."
"He knew that I was coming?"
"Obviously, for I was told to expect you, and detain you when you arrived."
"Told to lay a trap for me, you mean?"