"One moment, please," he said. "These soldiers have an order
for your arrest. I speak the language, and if you have
anything to say to them I will interpret for you."

The Frenchman stared from Gordon to the guards and then
laughed incredulously but with no great confidence. He had
much to say, but he demanded to know first why he should be
arrested.

"The lady you insulted," Gordon answered, gravely, "happened,
unfortunately for you, to be one of the King's guests. She
has complained to him, and he has sent these soldiers to put
you where you cannot trouble her again. You see, sir, you
cannot annoy women with impunity even in this barbarous
country."

"Insult her! I did not insult her," the man retorted. "That
is not the reason I am arrested."

"You annoyed her so much that she fainted. I saw you," said
Gordon, backing away with the evident purpose of abandoning
the foreigner to his guards.

"She has lied," the man cried, "either to the King or to me.
I do not know which, but I am here to find out. That is why I
came to Tangier, and I intend to learn the truth."

"You've begun rather badly," Gordon answered, as he still
retreated. "In the Civil Prison your field of investigation