"Did you know he had been maltreated in prison?" Cortlandt demanded.
"Oh, senor!" Alfarez raised his hands in horrified disclaimer of the very thought, but his victim said, quietly:
"He's a liar. He ordered it, then sat there and enjoyed it."
The Panamanian's face was yellow as he managed to enunciate:
"Eempossible! It is terrible to conceive!"
Kirk made a threatening movement in the Spaniard's direction, despite the half-dozen soldiers, but Edith Cortlandt checked him.
"Wait, please," she said. Then to the commandant: "This is a serious matter, and if what he says is true, your government will find itself in trouble."
"But we 'ave no idea he is frien' of yours. If he should only spik your 'osban's name, all would be different. For my part, I can prove he is treat' with the 'ighes' courtesy an' kindness in my presence. Every man in the prison will testify to those fac'. If soch indignity 'ave be' shown, there shall be investigations." The unhappy officer's excitement was increasing, and he turned upon his men as if to make good his word, when Cortlandt interposed:
"Why did you keep him locked up so long? Why didn't you try him?"
"Ah! For that I shall inquire also. I shall conduct investigations in that respect as well. I am inform', 'owever, that the w'at you call jodge is seeck."