Desnoyers listened in consternation to his counsels. What kind of
mentality had these men, anyway? Were they insane, or were they trying
to have some fun at his expense? . . .
When the lunch was at last ended, the officers arose and adjusted their
swords for service. Captain von Hartrott rose, too; it was necessary for
him to return to his general; he had already dedicated too much time
to family expansion. His uncle accompanied him to the automobile where
Moltkecito once more justified the ruin and plunder of the castle.
"It is war. . . . We have to be very ruthless that it may not last long.
True kindness consists in being cruel, because then the terror-stricken
enemy gives in sooner, and so the world suffers less."
Don Marcelo shrugged his shoulders before this sophistry. In the
doorway, the captain gave some orders to a soldier who soon returned
with a bit of chalk which had been used to number the lodging places.
Von Hartrott wished to protect his uncle and began tracing on the wall
near the door:--"Bitte, nicht plundern. Es sind freundliche Leute."
In response to the old man's repeated questions, he then translated the
inscription. "It means, 'Please do not sack this house. Its occupants
are kind people . . . friendly people.'"
Ah, no! . . . Desnoyers repelled this protection vehemently. He did not
wish to be kind.
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