"I don't know what I said, grandfather."
"Is it possible that you could have spoken thus disrespectfully of your country's flag?"
"It is possible; yes, sir."
"I am further informed that, on the same occasion, in language of which I have no credible report, you expressed your contempt for your country herself. Is my information correct?"
"I may have done so."
Pen felt himself growing weak and unsteady under this fire of questions, and he moved forward a little and grasped the back of a chair for support. The colonel, paying no heed to the boy's pitiable condition, went on with his examination.
"Now, then, sir," he said, "if you have any explanation to offer you may give it."
"Well, grandfather, I was very angry at the use they'd put the flag to, and I—well, I didn't just know what I was doing."
Pen's voice had died away almost to a whisper.