retchen. I could fathom nothing there.

"Well," snarled the lieutenant, "I suppose you will not object to my
seeing your passports?"

"Not in the least," said I. But I felt a shock. The word "American"
was written after the nationality clause in my passports. I was in for
some excitement on my own account. If I returned from my rooms saying
that I could not find my passports they would undoubtedly hold me till
the same were produced. "I'll go and bring them for you," said I. I
wanted some time in which to mature a plan of action, if action became
necessary.

There was rather a sad expression in Gretchen's eyes. She understood
to a fuller extent than I what was likely to follow when it was found
that I had misrepresented myself. I cursed the folly which had led me
to say that I was English. And I swore at the innkeeper for meddling.
As I left the room I smiled at Gretchen, but she did not answer it.
Perhaps I was gone five minutes. In that time I made up my mind to
show the passports, and trust to luck for the rest. When I came back
Gretchen had engrossed their attention. They took no notice of me. I
have never understood how it came about, but all at once the lieutenant
bent forward and kissed Gretchen on the cheek. She started back with a
cry, then looked at me. That swift glance told me what to do. I took
the lieutenant by the collar and flung him into the corner. The
surprise on his face was not to be equaled. Then, as he rose to his
feet, the veins in his neck swelled with rage.

"I'll pay you for that, you meddling beef-eater!" he roared.

"Don't mention it," said I, with an assumption of blandness which I did
not feel. "That was simply gratuitous. It is a sample of what I shall
do to you if you do not immediately ask this lady's pardon for the
gross insult you have just offered her."

"Insult! To kiss a common barmaid an insult!" he yelled, now purpling.
"Why--why--what is this woman to you--this tavern wench, this--"

"Be careful," I warned.

Gretchen was calmly wiping her cheek; but her eyes were like polished
emeralds.

"You came here, I believe," said I, "to see if my passports were
proper."

"Damn you and your passports! Are you a gentleman?"

"Would you recognize one if you saw him?" I laughed.

"Can you fight?"

"Certainly," said I, thinking of the weapons nature in her kindness had
given to me.

"Good! Otto, have the horses brought around. We will cut for the
bar