“Will you, monsieur,” said the magistrate, after some preliminary formalities, “narrate the circumstances which led to the rencontre between you and M. de la Soulaye?”
“But first,” replied Eusebe, eagerly, “I am accused of having inflicted blows and wounds upon my adversary. I desire you to take note that I did not hurt him at all.”
“That does not signify,” said the magistrate. “It is a mere form. Come to the facts of the case.”
“Is it possible that you are ignorant of them? These gentlemen say that they have told you all.”
“No matter: I must needs learn them from you.”
“Well, if you desire it,” rejoined Eusebe. And he then narrated his story of the quarrel and the duel.
“Sir,” said the magistrate, “it was you who gave the lie.”
“Certainly; and in my place you would have done the same.”
“I am not here to say what I should have done: I am here only to question you. Was the affair honorably conducted?”
“No.”