Page:H.M. The Patrioteer.djvu/183

Rh may have been done to the machine." Diederich started up, suddenly very red. "Do you wish to insinuate that I and the machinist have—?"

"I have said nothing," replied Kienast primly.

"I must emphatically repudiate that insinuation," Diederich thundered, but it seemed to leave Kienast unimpressed. His eyes were calm and a sly grin hovered about his beard, which was brushed in a parting on his chin. If he had shaved and trained the ends of his moustache to grow upright he would have looked like Diederich! He was a Force! Diederich's attitude became all the more truculent. "My machinist is a Social Democrat. The idea of his doing me a favour is absurd. Moreover, as an officer of the reserve I warn you of the consequences of your statements!"

Kienast walked out into the yard. "Never mind about that, Dr. Hessling," he said calmly. "I am a sober man when it comes to business, as I told you at lunch. All I have to repeat to you is that we delivered the machine in excellent condition, and we do not propose to take it back." They would see about that, said Diederich. Doubtless Büschli & Co. would not consider a lawsuit particularly helpful in introducing their new merchandise. "I will give you a special testimonial in the trade papers!" Whereupon Kienast retorted that he took no account of attempted blackmail. And Diederich declared that the only thing to be done with a vulgarian was to throw him out, since he was not fit to fight a duel. In the midst of this Magda appeared in the doorway of the dwelling house.

She was wearing her Christmas fur coat and gave them a rosy smile. "Are you gentlemen not finished yet?" she asked roguishly. "It is such a lovely day, I felt I must go out for a bit before dinner. By the way," she added volubly, "mother wants to know if Herr Kienast will be with us for supper?" As Kienast regretted that he must say no, she smiled more persuasively. "And would you refuse me, too?" Kienast gave a harsh laugh. "I would not refuse. But I