Page:Lettres d'un innocent; the letters of Captain Dreyfus to his wife ; (IA lettresduninnoce00drey).pdf/22

 "Hearts cease to beat; all eyes are fixed upon the right-hand corner of the square, where Dreyfus is imprisoned in a low building on the terrace.

"In a moment a small group is seen; it is Alfred Dreyfus in the midst of four artillerymen, accompanied by a lieutenant of the Garde Républicaine and by the commander of the escort

"Dreyfus walks with a quiet, firm step."

The reporter continues to describe the march across the square to the point in front of the troops where the degradation is to take place. Dreyfus listens in silence while a clerk reads the sentence. General Darras then says, "Dreyfus, you are unworthy to bear arms. In the name of the French people we degrade you."

"Then," continues L'Autorité, "Dreyfus is seen to raise both arms, and, head erect, he cries out in a strong voice, in which no tremor is noticed:

"'I am innocent, I swear that I am innocent. Vive la France!'

"And the vast crowd outside answers with a cry of, 'Death to him!'"

The adjutant then begins his work. First cutting from the condemned man's uniform his galloons, cuffs, buttons, all insignia of rank, ending by breaking the sword. During the ceremony Dreyfus several times raises his voice:

"On the heads of my wife and children I swear that I am innocent. I swear it. Vive la France!"

The reporter of L'Autorité seems deeply moved, for he adds:

"It is over at last, but the seconds have been as centuries. We had never before felt pangs of anguish so keen. And afresh, clear, and without any touch of emo