Page:Krakatit (1925).pdf/199

 muzzle; the Princess raised her whip as if she wished to slash at his hand. All the blood rushed to Prokop’s head. “Look out,” he said through his teeth, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the Princess’s flashing ones. But at this point the officers became aware of the unfortunate incident, and cantered up to the Princess. “Hallo, what’s up?” cried the one who was riding in front on a black mare and made straight for Prokop. Prokop saw the horse’s head above him, seized hold of the bridle, and with all his force dragged it aside. The horse screamed with pain and reared up on its hind legs, while the officer flew into the arms of the tranquil Mr. Holz. Two sabres flashed in the sun; but quickly the Princess placed Whirlwind between Prokop and the officers. “Stop!” she ordered, “he is my guest!” and, giving Prokop a black look, she added: “Incidentally he is afraid of horses. Let me introduce you to one another. Lieutenant Rohlauf. Engineer Prokop. Prince Suwalski. Von Graun. The affair is settled, eh? When Rohlauf has mounted again we will go. Premier is at your disposition, sir. And please remember that here you are a guest. Au revoir!” The whips swished through the air, Whirlwind twisted round, and the cavalcade disappeared round the corner of the road. Only Mr. Rohlauf pranced round Prokop on his horse, fixing him with angry eyes, saying finally in a voice choked with anger: “You shall give me satisfaction, sir.”

Prokop swung round on his heel, returned to his room, and locked himself in. Two hours later a message was carried by the fragile Paul from the guest’s suite to the management. Immediately Mr.