Arthur had expected to be threatened, abused, and sworn at, and had prepared himself to answer with dignity and patience; but he was pleasantly disappointed. The colonel was stiff, cold and formal, but perfectly courteous. The usual questions as to his name, age, nationality, and social position were put and answered, and the replies written down in monotonous succession. He was beginning to feel bored and impatient, when the colonel asked:
“And now, Mr. Burton, what do you know about Young Italy?”
“I know that it is a society which publishes a newspaper in Marseilles and circulates it in Italy, with the object of inducing people to revolt and drive the Austrian army out of the country.”
“You have read this paper, I think?”
“Yes; I am interested in the subject.”
“When you read it you realized that you were committing an illegal action?”
“Certainly.”
“Where did you get the copies which were found in your room?”
“That I cannot tell you.”
“Mr. Burton, you must not say 'I cannot tell' here; you are bound to answer my questions.”