"And save yourself," pursued the Prussian.
Sanderson was silenced. Again the hysterical girl cried:
"How? Tell me how?"
"By leaving that man there," said the surgeon pointing. "By coming to me. By showing me some favors, Fräulein Belinda.
"You well know my admiration for you, and of its duration you are informed. A man like me loves but once; and if he loves, the object of his affection cannot be denied him. I have been patient. I have waited. You sought to escape me by leaving New York. But you see, it was impossible. Fate—whatever you care to call it—brought us together here.
"Ah, Fräulein Belinda! I am the man for you—your fit mate. No weakling, who cannot help himself save by offering to fight. Pah! A bully and a baby, both. The strong man takes what is his own—and I take you."
"Not by threatening my life, nor those of her cousins—you dog!" Sanderson broke in. "Pay no attention to him, Belinda. I would not accept my life on such terms—nor would Paul and Carl, I feel sure, accept theirs."
Doctor Herschall laughed. Again a falling bomb exploded, the shock of it deafening them for a moment.
"The offer is not made to you, Herr Sanderson. Therefore you may not refuse it," said the surgeon when he could be heard.
"Fräulein Belinda must choose. And forget not I have a fifth division to my theme. A word from me and you, my fair Fräulein, will join that man and your cousins before the military court. And we Prussians, Gott sei dank! give spies a short shrift."