The Price He Paid — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A DARK SPOT. 7 To have staid atmy house will be accounted a crime in Assessor Winterfeld -a crime which will hardly meet with forgiveness. I have never con- cealed from you the fact that your visit here isa venture which may compromise your whole posi- tion.” The ironical tone of this warning called up a tran- sient flush to young Winterfeld’s brow, and ac- counted for the vivacity with which he answered: “T think I have shown you that lam capable of maintaining my own independence under all and any circumstances. My position, I should hope, lays me under no obligation to avoid friendly re- lations which are of a purely private nature.” “You think not? Iam convinced of the contrary, On your return we shall see which of us is right. Remember this, George; you are under Baron von Raven’s regime.” sa “T do not imagine that my chief troubles himself greatly about the holiday excursions of his officials,” said George, quietly. “He is severe, in- exorable even, in all matters relating to the service, but he never interferes in our private concerns. That justice 1 must do him, though I do not rank among his friends. Iam, as you know, a thorough- going opponent of the tendencies he represents, and therefore personally opposed to himself; albeit, as his subordinate, I find myself for the time being compelled to silence and obedience.” “For the time being?” echoed the doctor, sarcas- tically. “I tell you, he means to teach you lasting silence and obedience, and if you do not show your- self teachable he will crush and ruin you. That is his way, as it is the way of all such despicable par- venues.” George shook his head gravely. “You go toofar. The baron has many enemies, and 1 do not doubt that in secret much hatred and bitterness are entertained toward him, but as yet no one has ventured to speak his name with con- tempt.” : “Well, I venture it, then,” said the doctor, with EOMmIichbooks (ECO)