“ ‘ “Then you must die,” replied the president calmly. M. d’Épinay became very pale; he looked round him a second time, several members of the club were whispering, and getting their arms from under their cloaks. “General,” said the president, “do not alarm yourself; you are among men of honor who will use every means to convince you before resorting to the last extremity, but as you have said, you are among conspirators, you are in possession of our secret, and you must restore it to us.” A significant silence followed these words, and as the general did not reply⁠—“Close the doors,” said the president to the doorkeeper.

“ ‘The same deadly silence succeeded these words. Then the general advanced, and making a violent effort to control his feelings⁠—“I have a son,” said he, “and I ought to think of him, finding myself among assassins.”