"Why do you shut that door ?" asked he in an abrupt tone.
"First, because two girls, whom I have the charge of, are in bed in that room; secondly, because your examination would alarm them," replied Dagobert.

"Sit down upon this bench, Mr.Burgomaster, and examine me here; it will not make any difference, I should think." "And by what right," asked the judge, with a displeased air, "do you pretend to dictate to me the place of your examination ?" "Oh, I have no such pretension, Mr.Burgomaster!" said the soldier hastily, fearing above all things to prejudice the judge against him: "only, as the girls are in bed, and already much frightened, it would be a proof of your good heart to examine me where I am." "Humph!" said the magistrate, with ill-humor; "a pretty state of things, truly!--It was much worth while to disturb me in the middle of the night.

But, come, so be it; I will examine you here." Then, turning to the landlord, he added: "Put your lantern upon this bench, and leave us." The innkeeper obeyed, and went down, followed by his people, as dissatisfied as they were at being excluded from the examination.

The veteran was left alone with the magistrate..