Oh, how hard it was to overcome the instinct of the wild beast! How
furiously it tugged at its chain! How it tried to spring after the
lieutenant, and clutch his throat in its claws!--but Wilhelm
conquered the new cravings of his instinct and stood still. 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.
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