The officer's face changed in an instant: "Who are Pierre and Jacques?"
Ralph now realized that he had been imprudent. Neither replied to the question, and it was repeated, this time with a threatening gesture.
"So you refuse to answer the question?" said the officer. "Arrest these young men," he said to a corporal. "Take this gentleman to the front," he continued, pointing to Ralph.
Ralph was led off, while Alfred, now greatly alarmed, stood facing the officer.
"Now, then," he said, "for your convenience and comfort it would be better for you to tell me who Pierre and Jacques are?"
"I know nothing about Jacques, as I never saw him until this morning. Pierre was my father's chauffeur," said Alfred.
"Where is he now?" inquired the officer.
"I don't know," said Alfred.
"You are lying to me," quickly responded the officer.