In spite of his evident desire to escape, Von Amberg’s good manners did not forsake him. He bowed and raised his hat in protest.
“I—I should be very pleased—some other time,” he stammered, “but now I must return to town. I find to-day it is not possible to breakfast here. There is a large party—” he paused, and his voice rose interrogatively.
“Yes,” Roddy replied with indifference. “We found them here. They took all the waiters away from us.”
The nature of the answer seemed greatly to surprise Von Amberg.
“You—you are not acquainted with those gentlemen?” he inquired.
In the fashion of his country, Roddy answered by another question.
“Who are they?” he asked. “Who is the one whose health they are all the time drinking?”
For an instant Von Amberg continued to show complete bewilderment. Then he smiled broadly. For him, apparently, the situation now possessed an aspect as amusing as it had been disturbing. He made a sly face and winked jovially.
“Oh! You Americans!” he exclaimed. “You make good politicians. Do not fear,” he added hurriedly. “I have seen nothing, and I say nothing. I do not mix myself in politics.” He started toward the gate, then halted, and with one eye closed whispered hoarsely, “It is all right. I will say nothing!” Nodding mysteriously, he hurried down the path.
Peter leaned back in his chair and chuckled delightedly.