“An Englishman? And on special service for General Kolfort? I don’t wish to appear impertinent, but have you another name?”
“I am also a Roumanian Count—Count Benderoff.”
“Ah!” His tone told me at once that he had had some instructions about me, and I began to prepare for emergencies. “I am placed in an awkward position, Count, but I’m afraid I cannot allow you to pass.”
“My business is very urgent, lieutenant.”
“The delay will probably be only a brief one. I am expecting a messenger from General Kolfort, and I thought you were probably from him. No doubt the moment he arrives you will be at liberty to proceed. But you’ll understand my position.”
“The consequences of stopping me may be serious.”
“So may be those of allowing you to pass, Count. But in any case I have no alternative.”
“But I have ridden straight from General Kolfort himself, who handed me the permit personally.”
“My instructions have come over the wires, and within the last few minutes; and they are imperative not to allow you to pass until the General himself or those he is sending shall arrive. If you will dismount I will try to make the delay as little irksome as possible, though one’s resources in a God-forsaken place like this are not abundant.”
“Do you mean you wish to arrest me?” I asked quickly.