"Private Baufeld was a deserter," retorted the Statthalter. "His evidence does not count."
There was a pause. Then the German resumed, in terms which he picked slowly and carefully:
"Therefore, monsieur le ministre, as there is no outside evidence in support of either of the two contradictory versions, I can find no argument that would tend to destroy the conclusions to which all the German enquiries have led. That is what I shall tell the emperor this evening."
He bowed. M. Le Corbier took off his hat, hesitated a second and then, making up his mind:
"One word more, your excellency. Before finally going back to Paris, I determined to call the Morestal family for the last time. I will ask your excellency if it would be possible for Commissary Jorancé to be present at the interview. I will answer for him on my honour."
The Statthalter appeared embarrassed. The proposal evidently went beyond his powers. Nevertheless, he said, decisively:
"You shall have your wish, monsieur le ministre. Commissary Jorancé is here, at your disposal."
He clapped his heels together, raised his hand to his helmet and gave the military salute. The interview was ended.