“Do you repeat that story of my treachery now in my presence? Come. Dare you?”
“Don’t think to intimidate me.”
“I thought you would not dare. Now, will you tell Miss Drakona what really passed last night; or shall I?”
“These matters cannot be gone into now. You must both come to the Department and the whole thing shall be——” I put my back against the door and he took alarm instantly. He broke off and said quickly: “My men are here.”
“You will not call them yet, Colonel Bremenhof,” I said very deliberately.
“Do you presume to threaten me?”
“This is a personal matter between Miss Drakona, yourself and me. You have slandered me to her, and your official position cannot and shall not—understand, shall not—prevent your giving an explanation.”
“I’ll soon see about that.”
“Don’t call your men. I warn you;” and I put my hand to my pocket as though I had a weapon concealed. I had none; but he was not a difficult person to bluff; and my look was steady enough to frighten him.
“Mr. Anstruther!” exclaimed Volna, in alarm.