"What do I care? The truth comes first, surely? Once we are in the right, we are bound to see that our rights are recognized and that Jorancé is released."
Morestal planted himself firmly in front of his son:
"You're of my way of thinking, I suppose?"
"No."
"How do you mean, no?"
"Listen, father: the circumstances seem to me to be very serious. The examining-magistrate's enquiry is most important. It will serve as a basis for later enquiries. It seems to me that we ought to reflect and give our evidence with a certain reserve, with caution.... We must behave prudently...."
"We must behave like Frenchmen who are in the right," cried Morestal, "and who, when they are in the right, fear nobody and nothing in this world!"
"Not even war?"
"War! What are you talking about? War! But there can't be war over an incident like this! The way things are shaping, Germany will yield."