“I shall be pleased to read your order.”
“The only order I bear has just been given to you.”
“Impossible! General Yozarro would never do a thing like that.”
“Perhaps you would like to say that also to the General. But I will save you the trouble; I will tell him myself that you refuse to do as commanded.”
Martella turned to move off, but the Captain caught his arm.
“No, no, no, Martella! You must not do that; you see the dilemma I am in; if I make a mistake, it will cost me my life.”
“It is with you whether you shall make a mistake or not; I have done my duty.”
He made again as if to go, but the officer would not permit it. The moment had come for Martella to play his trump card. The two were standing within hearing of several soldiers who, in accordance with the loose discipline of the army, made no attempt to hide that they were listening. Lowering his voice, the messenger said:
“Step aside one moment, Captain; I have something for your private ear.”
When they were beyond hearing of the group, the soldier spoke in a guarded voice: