His hand shook violently and he had to lean against the
desk to keep from falling. He gazed at Mr. Cook pleadingly, a hunted look
in his eyes.
"What does it say?" asked his employer.
Heinrich gasped and almost choked once or twice. He swallowed hard and
finally found his voice again. "I don't know," he replied.
"You mean you can't read the German?"
That seemed to be as good an excuse as any, so Heinrich seized upon it
eagerly. "Yes," he stammered. "That iss it."
"I don't believe you," said Mr. Cook calmly.
"Please, Mr. Cook," begged Heinrich. "Don't ask me to read it."
"But I want to know what it says."
"I can't read it."
"You don't mean that," said Mr. Cook. "You certainly can read it."
"I can't read it," Heinrich repeated. It was plain to be seen that he was
suffering great mental agony; he glanced about him fearfully as if he
expected to be attacked suddenly. He looked at the paper again and an
involuntary groan escaped him. He appealed to Mr. Cook.
"Please let me go home," he pleaded.
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