"But the State will kindly continue their use, I see!"
Norman surrendered his revolver, and his room was searched in every nook and corner for weapons he might have concealed.
"Why this insult?" he demanded.
"Special orders of the regent, sir. We are to take no man's word for it."
Norman sat in silence while the men opened his trunks, ransacked his drawers, and searched in every conceivable spot where a weapon of any kind might be hid.
"I could have told you at first that I had no other guns. The entire colony is being disarmed this morning?"
"Yes, sir, the work will be completed by two o'clock."
"Indeed!"
The man fumbled in his pocket and drew out another order.