"Why not, general?" I said. "I am willing enough to compromise myself to the extent of carrying it out!"
The general shuddered and stared at me in return.
"No, no!" he said, "I cannot.... Apply to the Provisional Government."
"Ah! yes, that Provisional Government of yours! it will be an easy matter if I can find it, but I have been looking all over for it. I have asked all sorts of people to point it out to me, and when I have gone where I was directed, I have only found a large empty hall with a table in the middle, on which stood empty bottles of wine and beer, and in one corner a desk and a sort of minute book on it.... Believe in me, general, since I believe in reality and not shadows, and sign the order I want."
"Do you really want it?" he said.
"I do indeed, general."
"And you are ready to bear the responsibility yourself of whatever harm may come of it?"
"Would you like me to give you a repudiation of all responsibility with respect to my person before I go?"
"You can write the order yourself."
"On condition, general, that you will copy it completely in your own handwriting after ... it will have more weight if it is autograph."