The Russian captain clenched his hands, and took a turn around the apartment.
“I will not stand this!” he muttered. “You wish to ruin my reputation. Do you know what I am going to do? I shall denounce you to the authorities as a well-paid spy.”
“I am no spy.”
“Who will take your word against mine? I caught you spying at Port Arthur, and later, when the authorities tried to catch you, you fled.”
“My friend is no spy,” put in Ben. “He and I are merely officers in the Japanese army.”
“You are both spies,” snarled Captain Barusky. “I shall bring overwhelming proofs of it.”
“You have no such proofs,” said Gilbert, his eyes flashing.
“You shall see.”
“Perhaps you intend to manufacture the proofs,” cried the young American.
For reply Captain Barusky shook his fist in Gilbert’s face.