“I confess I never saw you before, and your tongue has a foreign twist,” with growing doubt.
“I am sure I never saw you before, nor want to see you again.”
“What are you doing in that uniform?”
“You have the advantage of me; suppose you begin the introduction?”
“Indeed I have the advantage of you, and propose to maintain it. Who are you and what are you doing here? Answer!”
There was something in the young man's aspect which convinced Maurice that it would be folly to trifle. Besides, he gave to his words an air which distinguishes the man who commands from the man who serves. Maurice briefly acquainted the young man with his name and position.
“And you?” he asked.
“I?” The young man laughed again. It was an unpleasant laugh. “Never mind who I am. Let us go, we are losing time. What is the date?” suddenly.
“The twentieth of September,” answered Maurice.
“My God, a day too late!” The young man had an attack of vertigo, and was obliged to lean against a tree for support. “Are you telling me the truth about yourself?”