An hour later, in spite of the efforts of the servants, he forced his way into the presence of Commander de Jars.

Holding out the fateful document to him, he said: "Speak openly, commander! Is it you who in revenge for your long constraint have done this?
I can hardly think so, for after what has happened you know that I have nothing to fear any longer.

Still, knowing my secret and unable to do it in any other way, have you perchance taken your revenge by an attempt to destroy my future happiness by sowing dissension and disunion between me and my wife ?" The commander solemnly assured him that he had had no hand in bringing about the discovery.
"Then if it's not you, it must be a worthless being called Trumeau, who, with the unerring instinct of jealousy, has run the truth to earth.
But he knows only half: I have never been either so much in love or so stupid as to allow myself to be trapped.

I have given you my promise to be discreet and not to misuse my power, and as long as was compatible with my own safety I have kept my word.

But now you must see that I am bound to defend myself, and to do that I shall be obliged to summon you as a witness.