Silence ensued. The general racked his brain to find words harsh enough to correspond with this brutal beginning.
“Well,” Schumacker said at last, “are you the governor of the province of Throndhjem?”
The governor, somewhat surprised to find himself questioned by the man he had meant to question, bowed his head.
“Then,” added the prisoner, “I have a complaint to lay before you.”
“A complaint! What is it? what is it?” And the kind-hearted Levin’s countenance assumed a look of interest.
Schumacker went on, in a tone of considerable annoyance: “By order of the viceroy I am to be left free and undisturbed in this donjon.”
“I am aware of the order.”
“And yet, Governor, I am importuned and annoyed by visits.”
“Visits! and from whom?” cried the general; “tell me who dares—”
“You, Governor.”