I had every cause to be satisfied with the effect of my words. He paused a moment as if in doubt what to do, and then waved back the soldiers who stood by me.
“Have the room cleared,” he said to the lieutenant. “Put a chair for Mr. Bergwyn there.” I moved my chair near to Gatrina and while the room was cleared, he busied himself with his notes.
“Shall I remain, major?” asked the lieutenant, when the men had gone.
“Yes, for the present;” and the young officer went back to his place, having to step over poor old Chris, whose body, now that the place was empty, lay in full view, a conspicuous, ghastly evidence of the wild scene just ended.
“There must surely have been some unaccountable mistake, Mr. Bergwyn?” he said, interrogatively and courteously when we four were alone; “judging, that is, by the extraordinary story which has been told to me. I invite you to explain.”
“I asked the captain who has been hurt to allow me to do so privately; but he declined. Let me thank you for having cleared the room. There is a further favour you can do me, and a much more important one. Let someone go at once in search of Colonel Petrosch. I won’t disguise from you I have placed myself in a very awkward position, and as he and I have had some very confidential relations—you may perhaps know that—it is of vital importance I should have his assistance.”
“This matter is in my hands, and I must investigate the facts before taking any other action. The charges against you are very grave—if you are indeed the person implicated.”
“If you will put any questions I will answer them,” I said, disappointed by his refusal of my request.
“You have represented yourself as an officer of the Servian army?”
“Yes.”