As the sergeant paused to answer with the glass in his hand there was just a suspicion of astonishment in the tone.
“Good. Don’t forget it!” A note of menace was in zu Pfeiffer’s voice. He added more mildly, “Political reasons may cause stringent measures sometimes.”
“Yes, Excellence.”
Zu Pfeiffer smoked, coldly regarding the sergeant.
“Who is Sergeant Schneider detailing for the prisoner’s escort to-morrow?”
“Corporal Inyira, Excellence.”
“A long service man?”
“Ja, Excellence.”
“Good. Go and fetch him here.”
Not a shadow of surprise showed on Sergeant Schultz’s face as he departed. Zu Pfeiffer smoked hard and drank another brandy thirstily with a slight unsteadiness as he lifted the glass to his mouth. The sergeant returned and stood at attention just within the door.