“In your power, sir?” questioned General Surgoff. “You forget, sir, I am in command here. The punishment shall proceed. Apply the lash, men!”
“One moment,” said General Burgoff quietly, raising a hand.
Again the men dropped the whips they had raised. General Burgoff turned to the Siberian commander.
“I have allowed this matter to proceed thus far,” he said, “because I desired to see how you conducted matters here. I have seen enough. And besides having seen, I have heard. Your sword, sir!”
General Surgoff staggered back in utmost amazement.
“Wha—what’s that?” he demanded, hardly believing the senses of his own ears.
“Your sword, and at once,” said General Burgoff. “You may consider yourself under arrest, sir.”
A slow smile flitted over the other’s face, now that he was sure he had understood.
“You forget, sir,” he replied, “that I am in command here. I, sir, in turn, demand your sword for having interfered with your superior officer.”
General Burgoff laughed aloud.