You had
best retire."
"I refuse. They may be thirsty."
"I'll see to that," I laughed.
"But--" she began.
"Oh, Gretchen wishes to see new faces," said I, with chagrin.
"If it pleases you, sir," mischievously.
"What if they are looking for--for--"
"That is the very reason why I wish to see them."
"You are determined?"
"I am."
"Very well," said I; "you had best eat an onion."
"And for what purpose?"
"As a preventive to offensive tactics," looking slyly at her.
Her laugh rang out mockingly.
"Do you not know that aside from dueling, the German lives only for his
barmaid, his beer and his knoblauch? Nevertheless, since you wish it I
will eat one--for your sake."
"For my sake?" I cried in dismay. "Heaven forfend!"
"Does Herr----"
"Jack," said I.
"Does Herr Jack think," her eyes narrowing till naught but a line of
their beautiful blue-green could be seen, "that one of those would dare
take a liberty with me?"
"I hope he will not. I should have the unpleasant duty of punching his
head." If I could not kiss Gretchen nobody else should.
"You are very strong.
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