Monty rose to his feet without a single unnecessary motion.

"I mean that unless you call off your men--at once this minute from
interfering with our animals I shall give you the lesson you need."

The German saluted in mock respect. Then he patted his breast-pocket
so as to show the outline of a large repeating pistol. Monty took
two steps forward. The German drew the pistol with an oath. Will
Yerkes, beyond Fred and slightly behind the German, coughed meaningly.
The German turned his head, to find that he was covered by a pistol
as large as his own.

"Oh, very well," he said, "what is the use of making a scene?" He
thrust his pistol back under cover and shouted an order in Turkish.
Monty returned to his place and sat down. The newcomers at the rear
of the room tied their horses together by the bridles, and Hans von
Quedlinburg resumed his well-fed smile.

"Let it be clearly understood," he said, "that you have interfered
with official privilege."

"As long as you do your best in the way of manners you may go on
with your errand," said Monty.

Suddenly Fred laughed aloud.

"The martyred biped!" he yelped.

He was right. Peter Measel, missionary on his own account, and sometime
keeper of most libelous accounts, stepped out from the shadows and