"I should like M. de Courtomer recalled," said M. de Noirlieu.
Laurent came back, full of fight, but wondering what the stout imbecile wanted now.
"M. de la Rocheterie was, I presume, aware of your presence in the room, Monsieur de Courtomer, throughout this . . . unpleasant scene with the Colonel?"
"I should imagine he had something else to think about!" retorted Laurent with hostility. In a flash he saw what he was after—the man was a second Guitton!
"He must have known that you were present. Did you, Monsieur de la Rocheterie?"
"I did," said Aymar curtly.
"And you were aware that he was a Royalist officer—one of your own side?"
"I was aware of it."
M. de Noirlieu lifted his shoulders. "I think, gentlemen, that significant fact considerably detracts from the value of M. de la Rocheterie's refusal to give information—viewed as evidence to character, that is. Is it likely that he would have given it in front of a fellow-officer?"
"May I speak, Monsieur le Président?" burst out the witness.