Lieutenant Servin intervened. He pointed out to his chief that the witnesses had replied in the affirmative without turning to look at the supposed corporal.
The commandant cried angrily:
"What kind of imbeciles are you? Before saying that you recognise a person you must begin by looking at that person! Look at the corporal!"
The two soldiers obeyed: they turned with precision and stared at Fandor.
"Is that man Corporal Vinson?"
"Yes, Commandant."
"You are sure of that?"
"No, Commandant."
Despite the miserable position he found himself in, Fandor could not help smiling at the bewilderment of the two soldiers: it was evident they could be made to say anything.
The commandant was growing more and more exasperated.