a tall, thin man with a leathern face, hooked nose and
piercing gray eyes. His breast glittered with orders. It was von
Kargenbrut, the military governor.

"Pardon our intrusion," he said in English, his harsh voice having a
guttural accent. "Which gentleman is Mr. John Merrick?"

"I am John Merrick."

The eagle eyes swept over him with a swift glance.

"We owe you our apology," continued the governor, speaking as fiercely
as if he were ordering Uncle John beheaded. "I have been too busy to
take up your case before to-day, when I discover that we have treated
you discourteously. You will consider our fault due to these troubled
times, when mistakes occur in spite of our watchfulness. Is it not so?"

"Your error has caused us great inconvenience," responded Mr. Merrick
stiffly.

The governor whirled around. "Colonel Grau!" he called, and from the
rear of the group the colonel stepped forward. His face still wore the
expression of comical surprise. "Return to Mr. Merrick his papers and
credentials."

The colonel drew the packet of papers from his breast pocket and handed
it to Uncle John. Then he glanced hesitatingly at his superior, who
glared at him.

"He cannot speak the English," said the governor to Mr. Merrick, "but he
owes you reparation."

"Grau's stupidity has been very annoying, to say the least," was the
ungracious reply. "We came here on important business, and presented our
papers--all in proper order--on demand. We had the right to expect
decent treatment, as respectable American citizens engaged in
humanitarian work; yet this--this--man," pointing an accusing finger at
the colonel, "ordered us detained--arrested!--and kept our papers."

The governor listened coldly and at the end of the speech inclined his
head.

"Colonel Grau," said he, "has been relieved of his duties here and
transferred to another station. To you I have personally apologized. You
will find my endorsement on your papers and, in addition, an order that
will grant you safe conduct wherever you may wish to go. If that is not
enough, make your demands and I will consider them."

"Why, that is all I can expect, your Excellency, under the
circumstances," replied Mr. Merrick. "I suppose I ought to thank you for
your present act of justice."

"No; it is your due. Good evening, Mr. Merrick."

He swung around on his heel and every officer of the group turned with
him, like so many automatons, all facing the door. But Mr. Merrick