Colonel Picquart.—“I do not know.”
M. Labori.—“In a case as serious as that of Major Esterhazy, at a time when the chief of the bureau of information was investigating a serious charge of treason, was not the arrest of Major Esterhazy almost necessary, in order to get at the truth?”
Colonel Picquart.—“That was my opinion, but it did not prevail. My superiors thought otherwise.”
M. Labori.—“But, without arresting an officer, is it not possible to watch him so that he can have no chance of doing things still more reprehensible and concealing his tracks?”
Colonel Picquart.—“Certainly. There was enough against Esterhazy to send him to a fortress.”
M. Labori.—“In occupying yourself with the Esterhazy case, were you obeying your conscience?”
Colonel Picquart.—“Absolutely.”
M. Labori.—“Did you feel that you were endangering your military career and your interests?”
Colonel Picquart.—“Yes.”
M. Labori.—“And yet you continued?”