“My dear sir, you do not begin to appreciate the premises. One less ignorant of military fashions would have perceived from my coat long since that I am a provost-marshal.”
“Well, and what of that? I suppose you are none the less able to explain my position to me.”
“Position, sir! This is trifling. But I must caution you that whatever you say will be remembered, and, if incriminating, used against you.”
“It is a breach of international comity,” said I.
“Oh, we are the best of friends with England,” he said, lightly.
“But I am an American, I would have you to know.”
“Macht nichts!” said he.
“Macht nichts!” I echoed, angrily. “You think so! I shall bring the case to the notice of the United States Legation, and you shall see.”
“How? And precipitate a war between two friendly powers?”
“You laugh! but who laughs last laughs best, and I promise you the Grand Duchy of X———shall be made to pay for this pleasantry with a vengeance.”