"Well, I am glad you understand that, and now either place the non-commissioned officer under arrest or I shall punish you for disobedience."
This energetic speech had its effect, and the sergeant-major offered no further opposition.
"Unbuckle your sword, von Nissew."
The non-commissioned officer quite mechanically unbuckled the straps and the sword fell to the ground.
The sergeant-major lifted it up. "Come."
And without once raising his eyes, von Nissew, with shaking knees, went down the steps with the sergeant-major, and a little later George saw them going over the yard together, and then they disappeared into the guard-room, which was in the extreme right-hand corner of the large barracks.
Now, for the first time, George understood clearly what he had done, and for a moment he was overwhelmed with doubts as to whether perhaps he had not acted rashly and without due consideration. Then he summoned Meier to him, told him what Petersen had said, and asked him, on his word of honour, if that was all true.
"Were you forced to swear?"
"Yes, sir."