The prisoner gave vent to a long whistle and a look of dismay passed over his face. It was gone in a moment, however, and he turned to the President with a smile.
“I am fortunate in finding you, sir,” he said. “I am authorized by my government to make you a proposition.”
“Well, I shall hear it,” said the President.
“I am authorized to offer you a large sum of money for the privilege of establishing a German naval base on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.”
“Enough!” cried the general with a wave of his hand. “It shall not be done if I can prevent it. Germany indeed. Were I able, I myself should draw a sword against her. You will find no German sympathy in these parts.”
Captain von Blusen bowed his head. He said nothing further on the subject.
“What will you do with me?” he asked.
“I shall hold you until the rebels have been put down,” was the reply. “Then you shall be released. I wouldn’t trust you now.”
He signalled two of his men and the young German officer was led away between them.
At this moment another officer rushed up to the general.