Etchepare. Well, then? [A long pause]
Mouzon. Come! Out with it!
Etchepare [without emphasis, hesitation, gazing at the recorder as though to read in his eyes whether he was replying as he should] Well, I'm going to tell you, Monsieur. You are right—it isn't true—I didn't go up into the mountain. What I said first of all was the truth—I didn't go out at all. Just now I was all muddled. At first I denied everything, even what was true—I was so afraid of you. Then, when you told me—I don't remember what it was—my head's all going like—I don't know—I don't remember—but all the same I know I am innocent. Well, just now, I almost wished I could admit I was guilty if only you'd leave me in peace. What was I saying? I don't remember. Ah, yes—when you told me—whatever it was, I've forgotten—it seemed to me I'd better say I'd gone out—and I told a lie. But [sincerely] what I swear to you is that I am not the guilty man. I swear it, I swear it!
Mouzon. I repeat, I ask nothing better than to be able to believe it. So now it's understood, is it, that you were at home?
Etchepare. Yes, Monsieur.
Mouzon. We shall hear your wife directly. You have no other witnesses to call?
Etchepare. No, Monsieur.
Mouzon. Good. Take the accused away—but remain in the Court. I shall probably need him directly for a confrontation. His interrogatory isn't finished.
The gendarmes lead Etchepare away.