“I must obey my orders, monsieur,” he replied tersely.
“And as an American citizen, I refuse to budge without knowing the charge against me, and until my Embassy’s people are here.”
“I am deeply sorry, but I have no alternative;” and he rose.
Then Helga came to the rescue with a suggestion.
“Had you not better return to the Prince with our decision? My husband is a foreigner, and a friend of His Majesty; and the situation is altogether unusual.”
“It is useless,” he persisted.
“Very well, then,” I said; “we’ll clear the decks. I was getting ready for a long journey, monsieur, and have arms here. If there is blood-shed, the responsibility will not be mine. I am innocent of any offence, and you may rely on it I will not be taken alive.”
This was very unexpected, I could see, and he hesitated.
“I will acquaint his Highness,” he said after a pause, and left us again.
“Do you mean to fight, Harper,” asked Helga, anxiously.