“To Lembke. Cher , I ought, I am obliged. It’s my duty. I am a citizen and a man, not a worthless chip. I have rights; I want my rights.⁠ ⁠… For twenty years I’ve not insisted on my rights. All my life I’ve neglected them criminally⁠ ⁠… but now I’ll demand them. He must tell me everything⁠—everything. He received a telegram. He dare not torture me; if so, let him arrest me, let him arrest me!”

He stamped and vociferated almost with shrieks. “I approve of what you say,” I said, speaking as calmly as possible, on purpose, though I was very much afraid for him.

“Certainly it is better than sitting here in such misery, but I can’t approve of your state of mind. Just see what you look like and in what a state you are going there! Il faut être digne et calme avec Lembke. You really might rush at someone there and bite him.”

“I am giving myself up. I am walking straight into the jaws of the lion.⁠ ⁠…”