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Captain Macklin by Richard Harding Davis
page 82 of 255 (32%)
reason the spectacle of Aiken's distress seemed to afford him
satisfaction.

"I should prefer to report to General Laguerre," Aiken said, at last.

"I am in command here," Reeder answered, sharply. "General Laguerre is
absent--reconnoitering. I represent him. I know all about Mr. Quay's
mission. It was I who recommended him to the General. Where are the
guns?"

For a moment Aiken stared at him helplessly, and then drew in a quick
breath.

"I don't know where they are," he said. "The Panama arrived two days
ago, but when I went to unload the guns Captain Leeds told me they had
been seized in New Orleans by the Treasury Department. Someone must
have--"

Both Major Reeder and the officer interrupted with a shout of anger.

"Then it's true!" Reeder cried. "It's true, and--and--you dare to tell
us so!"

Aiken raised his head and for a moment looked almost defiant.

"Why shouldn't I tell you?" he demanded, indignantly. "Who else was
there to tell you? I've travelled two days to let you know. I can't
help it if the news isn't good. I'm just as sorry as you are."

The other officer was a stout, yellow-haired German. He advanced a
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