“No, I didn’t leave ’em at headquarters,” raged the general. “Someone has stolen them!”
“Stolen, sir? Why, there has been no one in the house, and you know that none could have entered without the guard on the outside seeing them.”
“I tell you they have been stolen!” cried the general. “I want the house searched at once—every room in it, sir, yes, and the room of these two Americans also.”
“Father!” admonished the lieutenant. “Surely you are not accusing them?”
“I am not accusing anybody, sir, but I want this house searched. Must I call for outside help, or will you help me, sir?”
“I’ll help, sir,” replied the lieutenant quietly. To the lads he said softly: “Never mind him. He is always irritable when he misplaces something.”
The old general’s sharp ears caught this remark.
“Irritable, am I?” he cried. “Well, maybe I am, but I don’t need to have my own son apologize for my actions. If I have done anything that demands an apology I’ll apologize myself.”
Lieutenant Strauss shrugged his shoulders, as he said:
“I’ll search the second floor, sir. Will you take the first?”