‘Then in coming here you had no political mission?’
‘Certainly, I had none.’
‘Such assertions are not likely to improve your situation; I do not hide from you that it is a very unpleasant one; and only a sincere and complete confession can diminish your troubles, and above all make you worthy of the indulgence of the Emperor. You knew Konarski?’[4]
‘No.’
‘But you have heard of him?’
‘Certainly, above all of the tortures inflicted upon him.’
‘Your case is similar to that of Konarski, and only the sincerity of your confession can lessen its consequences. I do not wish to judge of your sentiments, I only wish to know whom you have known at Kaminieç, and in the provinces; I do not ask you to tell me what were your mutual plans, tell me only with whom were you acquainted.’
‘Why, your Excellency, I knew almost everybody in Kaminieç, and in its neighbourhood.’
‘That is not the question, and you know that it is not; the point is, who were your intimates?’
‘I had none; it is true I was able to reveal my nationality to a few, and to ask their help and counsel; but your Excellency must fully understand why I ought not to name them.’