He stopped. The under-secretary turned over his papers, no doubt read through Philippe's evidence and asked:
"As far as concerns Private Baufeld, have you nothing to add?"
Philippe's legs seemed on the point of giving way beneath him, so much so that Le Corbier asked him to sit down.
He obeyed and, mastering himself, said:
"Yes, I have. I have a revelation to make in this respect which is very painful to me. My father evidently attached no importance to it; but it seems to me ..."
"What do you mean?" cried Morestal.
"Oh, father, I beseech you!" entreated Philippe, folding his hands together. "We are not here to quarrel, nor to judge each other, but to do our duty. Mine is horrible. Do not discourage me. You shall condemn me afterwards, if you see cause."
"I condemn you as it is, Philippe."
Le Corbier made an imperious gesture and repeated, in a yet more peremptory tone:
"Speak, M. Philippe Morestal."