Tietjens grunted:
"Of course I understand that if I'm given an order to perform a duty, it means I am released from arrest." He had next to no voice. He managed to say that he would prefer to go alone. He said: ". . . He's forced my hand. . . . The last thing I want is to be released from arrest. . . ."
Levin said breathlessly:
"You can't refuse. . . . You can't upset him. . . . Why, you can't. . . . Besides, an officer cannot demand a court martial."
"You look," Tietjens said, "like a slightly faded bunch of wallflowers. . . . I'm sure I beg your pardon. . . . It came into my head!" The colonel drooped intangibly, his moustache a little ragged, his eyes a little rimmed, his shaving a little ridged. He exclaimed:
"Damn it! . . . Do you suppose I don't care what happens to you? . . . O'Hara came storming into my quarters at half-past three. . . . I'm not going to tell you what he said. . . ." Tietjens said gruffly:
"No, don't! I've all I can stand for the moment. . . ."
Levin exclaimed desperately:
"I want you to understand. . . . It's impossible to believe anything against . . ."
Tietjens faced him, his teeth showing like a badger's. He said: