But this mutual inspection was only the work of an instant. The officer began, in good French:
"Is it the Commandant Hullin that I have the honor of addressing?"
"Yes, sir," replied Jean-Claude.
The officer glanced hesitatingly at the circle around.
"Speak out, sir," cried Hullin; "let all hear you. Where honor and our country are the subject, no one in France is out of place; our women understand the words as well as we. You have some propositions to offer me. In the first place, on behalf of whom?"
"Of the general commanding-in-chief. Here is my commission."
"Very good. We are listening, sir."
Then the officer, raising his voice, proceeded in a firm tone:
"Before I begin, commandant, permit me to say that you have performed your duty magnificently; you have forced your foes to admire you."
"As for duty," answered Hullin, "we merely did what we could."