"Hans," remarked Hamerton to one of the jailers in quite a casual tone, when the fellow brought a basin of soup to the prisoner, "could you let me have a little pepper?"
The man eyed Hamerton suspiciously; then, instead of the monotonous "Ja ", he demanded:
"What for? I suppose you would like to have some? It would come in useful to throw in my eyes, and you would try to break out of prison, eh?"
"No," replied the Sub coolly. "I can assure you that I would not use it for that purpose. I have a cold in my head."
"Better, then, apply to see the doctor."
"It's not worth that. I have always found pepper an excellent remedy when nothing better is to hand. Can't you get me a little?"
"I'll see," replied Hans.
A quarter of an hour later he re-entered the cell.
"Here you are, Englishman," he said, handing Hamerton a small paper parcel. "It's strong enough to blow your head off."
"Thank you, Hans!" said the Sub.