As his mind had grown clearer, the wisdom of his decision became more apparent. If a magistrate came, he would be obliged to see him, but he knew that his period of illness could cover a multitude of remembrances.
The magistrate came with a clerk, and questioned with an air of importance. Renwick realized that if he refused to answer, he might make himself an object of suspicion, and endanger the chances of his release upon recovery, and so, as he was not under oath, he invented skillfully.
"What is your name?"
"Peter Langer."
"What nationality?"
"Austrian, if you like. I am a citizen of the world."
The magistrate examined him over his glasses.
"The world is large. From what part of Austria did you come?"
"Vienna."
"Your parents are Viennese?"