"What the deuce is the matter out there?" he demanded.
It did his heart good to see how they jumped at the sound of his voice.
"Your pardon, sir," said the officer, stepping toward him. "I hope we have not disturbed you."
"Disturbed me? Why, I thought you were knocking the house down!"
"Frau Ritter is a heavy sleeper," the other explained with a smile. "You will present my apologies to Madame."
"My wife is so weary that even this has not awakened her, but I hope——"
"What is it, Tommy?" asked a sleepy voice from the darkness behind him. "To whom are you talking out there?"
"Your pardon, madame," said the officer, raising his voice, and doubtless finding a certain piquancy in the situation. "You shall not be disturbed again—I promise it," and he signed for his men to withdraw. "Good-night, sir."
"Good-night!" answered Stewart, and shut the door.
He was so shaken with mirth that he scarcely heard the outer door close. Then he staggered to the bed and collapsed upon it.