“I am in charge of this,” he cried, bristling with authority. “You have aided the escape of a revolutionary and must answer for it.”
“I am an Englishman. Take me to your superiors,” I said; and to that phrase I stuck, repeating it doggedly to his every question, until I had tired out his patience and worn his temper to shreds.
I was then left in a room with a man to guard me while a carriage was got ready; when I was handcuffed and bundled into it pretty roughly. I knew the road of course and soon saw they were taking me to Solden.
I was carried to the police quarters there and shut up in a cell; still with a man to guard me. Meanwhile they communicated with the police at Schirmskad; and after some time I was taken from the cell and confronted with the chief of the men who had nearly captured me at the woodcutter’s cottage.
“I am glad to see you,” I told him. “You have my passport, papers, and letter of credit. I demand their return.”
“Where is your companion and who is she?”
“Who is the chief here?” I asked.
“Answer me, you dog,” he cried with an oath, raising his hand.
“I am an Englishman with very powerful friends; no mere peasant to be kicked and hounded by you. Lay a finger on me, if you dare.” The two conferred together; my papers were taken out and examined; and a third man called to the conference.
“Where is your companion and who is she?” demanded the man again.