right. Mistaken of course, too bad, meant well."

With a supremely disagreeable expression on his immaculate face the
victorious minister of security pressed his victim with regained
assurance: "But you are doubtless aware of the atrocities committed by
the boches?"

"I have read about them," I replied very cheerfully.

"You do not believe?"

"_Ca ce peut._"

"And if they are so, which of course they are" (tone of profound
conviction) "you do not detest the Germans?"

"Oh, in that case, of course anyone must detest them," I averred with
perfect politeness.

And my case was lost, forever lost. I breathed freely once more. All my
nervousness was gone. The attempt of the three gentlemen sitting before
me to endow my friend and myself with different fates had irrevocably
failed.

At the conclusion of a short conference I was told by Monsieur:

"I am sorry for you, but due to your friend you will be detained a little
while."

I asked: "Several weeks?"