Farnow could scarcely speak; the veins of his neck were swollen with his efforts for self-control.
"There is worse to come," he said at last, "you must know the truth, Lucienne. I must denounce him."
"Denounce him? Jean? You cannot. I forbid you!" cried Lucienne with a gesture of horror.
"I must do so. Military law compels me to do so."
"It is not true!—it is too cruel."
"I will prove it to you. Hermann!"
Hermann came forward in amazement.
"Listen. What is the article of the law relating to any person who has knowledge of a plan of desertion?"
The soldier collected his thoughts, and recited:
"Any one who shall have credible knowledge of a plan of desertion, when there is still time to frustrate it, and who does not give information thereof to his superiors, is liable to be imprisoned for ten months, and during war for three years."