and flogged for mutiny. We will see then what he says about signatures," and I took out my pocket-book and gave it him with a pencil.
He glared at me viciously, but the revolver was his master, and he wrote out the order just as I had bade him, and signed it.
"Now, Sergeant Pullschoff, read that, and say whether in the face of it you venture to carry this thing further."
The man took it, and I saw his face turn deadly white as he read it and scanned the signature closely.
"I have done no more than my duty, General," he murmured; but I saw that I had beaten him, and I pressed that advantage home.
"If you detain us a minute longer, my man, you will go galloping back to Sofia in custody for that order to be executed. You and your men know perfectly well that this is General Kolfort, and that this is his carriage."
He stepped away from the carriage window, and I saw him consult with a couple of his men.
"If I break my orders you will hold me harmless, General?"
"Of course we shall. Tell him so, General."
"Yes," assented the latter, but very slowly and regretfully, for the new turn of the matter was all against his wishes.
"You can give me back that order," I said then. "And I shall make it my business to see that you are commended for your care in carrying out your instructions. Tell the coachman to drive on."
"Thank you, sir. I wish to do no more," said the fellow, saluting, as he handed me the paper, and then called to the driver to proceed.
