“Bring the prisoner to the Court, sergeant. I will try him immediately.”
“Excellence!” said the sergeant, saluting. “What charge am I to enter against him, Excellence?”
“Arms and liquor running,” responded zu Pfeiffer quickly. “I hold papers which prove the case completely; moreover you will see that Ali ben Hassan and others are prepared to testify. But—the charge will be margined as political: not criminal. Understand, sergeant?”
“Perfectly, Excellence. Ali ben Hassan and the others have to testify before your Excellence now?”
“There will be no need.”
“Very good, Excellence.”
“And, sergeant, what is the personnel of the launch and the prisoner’s party?”
“The launch returned immediately to Jinja, Excellence, as soon as the prisoner had landed.”
“Ach, good.”
“The prisoner has a considerable battery, equipment and provisions; a headman and personal servants. He intended to obtain porters here, Excellence.”