He experienced a great self-contentment at last, and admitted to himself that he would not have been nearly so glad if he had wounded a dozen of the enemy in single combat.
Three days later he received in writing, an order to present himself at eleven o'clock the morning but one following to the Commandant of the 61st Regiment.

He took the journey the following evening, and at the appointed hour he was shown into the commandant's private room, where he found also his old captain, raised to the rank of major.

He spoke kindly to Wilhelm and held out his hand, while the commandant contented himself with a nod, and a sign to be seated.
"I suppose you know that you have been ordered to come here about the affair with Lieutenant von Pechlar ?" he said.
"Certainly, sir." "Will you relate what occurred ?" Wilhelm answered as he was desired.

His recital was followed by a short silence, during which the commandant and the major exchanged glances.
"And you will not fight ?" asked the first.
"No, sir." "Why not ?" "Because my principles do not allow me." The commandant looked at the major again and then at Wilhelm, and went on "If I take the trouble to discuss the matter with you quite unofficially, you have to thank the major, who has spoken warmly in your favor." Wilhelm thanked the major by a bow.
"We know that you are not a coward.

You showed great bravery on the battlefield.