Dumoulin, mastering his emotion, resumed his official tone.
"Fandor!"...
He stopped short, glared indignantly at the two soldiers planted in the middle of the room.
"What are you two up to now?" he cried.
The ridiculous pair saluted, but did not reply.
"Lieutenant, remove those men! We do not want any more of them here! Take them out of my sight!" growled Dumoulin.
The commandant felt he must have a breath of fresh air, collect his thoughts, and calm down before resuming conduct of the case.
"We shall continue this interrogation in ten minutes' time," he announced and left the room.
The short interval had done its work. The commandant had calmed down, Fandor had regained his self-possession. No longer was it an irascible officer facing an inimical accused: two men, fellow-citizens, were prepared to argue and talk together.... The formal interrogation recommenced.