“I sent for you to tell you that I am tired of this outrageous treatment,” he said, as soon as the Herr Doktor’s burly form appeared at the door. “You must come to an understanding with me to-night, or I will show you that Zanah cannot ignore all the laws of the United States. I will have you and all the leaders arrested for falsely imprisoning me. I will cause an investigation of the affairs of the colony.” Adolph Schneider’s fat face was deeply lined and his thick skin was a pallid yellow. He showed plainly that he was worried with the numerous troubles that had come upon the colony. He sat upon the nearest chair, and, letting his head sink into his neckcloth, studied Everett furtively. “What do you intend to do with me?” the prisoner asked, after his first outburst had remained unanswered. “After the funeral to-morrow thou art to have a trial, and then the people of Zanah will fix thy penalty.” “Penalty? Penalty for what? I have broken no law. I have done nothing for which you can deprive me of my liberty.” “Thou art not the judge of that,” declared the Herr Doktor. “Thou hast acknowledged that thou hast wronged the people of Zanah, for hast thou not offered to pay a fine?” “I have offered to buy my freedom, because I cannot expect to obtain justice here among you bigots,” returned Everett. “I warn you that if you do not take this rope off my arms, I shall see that you do not get a penny from me, and that you pay for this week’s work.” “So long as Walda Kellar is guarded it will be safe to let thee have thy freedom, but we take no chances now.” “Walda Kellar is my promised wife, and I demand her liberty as well as my own.” “Walda Kellar belongeth to Zanah, and thou canst not assert any claim to her,” Adolph Schneider retorted, angrily. “You will see what I can do,” Everett said. “But I do not want to try coercion. Give your consent to our marriage, and I will make Zanah a gift of money to signify my gratitude.” The Herr Doktor’s little eyes glittered. “How much?” he asked. “We will not discuss terms until I am freed from these ropes,” said Everett. “My imprisonment would be much easier to bear if you would let me have my hands free, so that I can smoke.” Adolph Schneider surveyed the stranger in Zanah with a look of suspicion. “Zanah would not be doing the will of God if Walda Kellar was not punished for causing her father’s death,” he remarked. “How dare you accuse her!” The prisoner strained his bonds, as if he would use his hands to some purpose in defending the woman he loved. “Her confession broke her father’s heart,” said the Herr Doktor. “The cruelty of you zealots of Zanah made Wilhelm Kellar die,” declared the prisoner. “I warn you to be careful how you blame an innocent girl, who simply told the truth at your _Untersuchung_.” Everett’s face was so stern in its expression that the wily colonist thought it wise not to pursue the subject.