"Lead me to a room where we are absolutely certain not to be observed or listened to," said Pollnitz.
They entered the colonel's cabinet.
"Here, baron, we are secure."
"Without circumlocution, then, count, you know the law which forbids officers to make debts?"
"I know it," said Jaschinsky, turning pale, "and I believe that
Baron Pollnitz is well content not to belong to the officers."
"Perhaps you, sir count, may also cease to belong to them?"
"What do you mean by that?" said Jaschinsky, anxiously.
"I mean simply that Colonel Jaschinsky belongs to those officers who are forbidden to make debts, but that he disregards the law."
"You came here, as it appears, to threaten me?"
"No, principally to warn you; you know that the king is particularly severe against his body-guard. You are the colonel of this splendid regiment, and should, without doubt, set the other officers a good example. I doubt if the king would consider that you did your duty, if he knew that you not only made debts, but borrowed money from the officers of your own regiment."