Mr. Engineer,” said the back in a friendly tone, and there turned to Prokop a face no less monumental in build, appropriately placed on the neck of a wild bull. The powerful gentleman studied Prokop for a moment and then said: “Mr. Engineer, I will not force you to tell me what you have decided, after consideration, to keep to yourself. I know about your work. I have the impression that the matter had to do with a certain explosive prepared by you.”
“Yes.”
“The substance has a certain . . . shall we say military significance?”
“Yes.”
The powerful gentleman got up and shook hands with Prokop. “I should just like to express my thanks to you, Mr. Engineer, for not selling it to foreign agents.”
“Is that all?” breathed Prokop.
“Yes.”
“Have you arrested them?” Prokop burst out.
“Why?” smiled the gentleman. “We have no right to do so. So far it is only a matter of your secret and not of one belonging to our army . . .”
Prokop took the delicate hint and became confused. “The matter . . . hasn’t yet matured . . .”
“I believe you. I have confidence in you,” said the powerful man and again shook his hand.
That was all.
