“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 touched the governor upon the arm.

“One moment, your Excellency.  This young officer, Lieutenant von Holtz, has treated us kindly and courteously.  I want you to know that one of your men, at least, has performed his duty in a way to merit our thanks—­and yours.”

The governor scowled at Lieutenant von Holtz, who stood like a statue, with lowered eyes.

“Lieutenant, you are commissioned to guide Mr. Merrick as long as he remains within our lines.  You will guard his safety and that of his party.  When he departs, come to me personally with your report.”