"What language do you speak, you little beast?"
Poor Pinocchio couldn't even draw a long breath. The general clutched him by the collar with such a military firmness that he turned the color of a ripe cherry. A little more and he would have been strangled to death.
The adjutant saved him by respectfully bidding the general remember that in questioning a prisoner it is necessary to allow him to breathe if you wish an answer.
"Mr. General ... forgive me. I am not a spy. It would be a real crime if you had me shot ... just as soon as we arrive at ... Give me a gun and I will go to war with the troops."
"Oh, you wretch! So you listened to all we said?"
"How could I help it? I was under here when the train started. It was I who helped Private Mollica to put all your stuff inside."
"Even this leather case?"
"Certainly I, I myself."
"Even the despatch-case with the plans! Major, give me your revolver so that I can shoot him like a dog."