human
What's that, lieutenant? Do you mean to say these people are English and dare to try and keep us out of here with a pretence of State business? What's the meaning of it, and what the devil are you doing here?
gpt
There is no need to adopt that tone with me, sir----
human
Isn't there? Oh! I'm accustomed to use what tone I please with you English. I'm Major Borsch of the 23rd Potsdam regiment; and it's my business to know all about you both. That he was a bully of the best Prussian type was evident.
gpt
What was that humbug about State business?
human
This lady, Miss Caldicott, is on her way to England. She has been in Berlin since before the outbreak of the war and is returning by the order of Baron von Gratzen; and acting under his instructions I am escorting her to the frontier.
gpt
A pretty tale, but not good enough for me. And who are you, pray, that you are detailed off as escort?
human
I am travelling as Johann Lassen. I have all my papers here. I am on a special mission for Baron von Gratzen, who gave me a written authority for that purpose.
gpt
Did he indeed? Very nice of him. I should like to see that special authority. A swine of an Englishman on a special State business! What next, I'd like to know.
human
Unfortunately I have partially burnt it.
gpt
Dear me! What a misfortune, eh? he sneered.
human
Let me look at the precious fragments and your other papers.
gpt
I have already reported the accident to Baron von Gratzen by telegraph.
human
A forgery, of course;
gpt
I shall have to report the destruction of it to the Baron, of course,
human
And your other papers? I must see them.