Page:The Jail, Experiences in 1916.pdf/185

 Accused: "I don't know him."

Supreme provost-marshal: "You persist in your denials. Will you tell us who was really responsible for the unfortunate result of the battle of Rawaruska?"

Accused: "It was said that an incompetent General—"

Supreme provost-marshal: "Hush. I have already admonished you. It seems that you have deliberately set out to adhere to a system of denials. What do you know about the fall of the fortress of Przemysl in the year 1915?"

Accused: "What has all this got to do with Simon Lamm? Przemysl fell because—"

Supreme provost-marshal: "Hush! You reckless man, are your past offences not enough for you, that you wish to burden your conscience by betraying military secrets as well?"

Accused: "I don't understand—"

Supreme provost-marshal: "That's enough. You will understand. We know everything and will tell you." To the chairman: "The examination of the accused is concluded. The accused persists in denials. I ask for the witnesses to be summoned."

Chairman: "The witnesses, yes, the witnesses."

The supreme provost-marshal: "One after another. First, Papa Declich."

Chairman: "Yes, Papa Declich."

Papa Declich was led in. The witness did not understand German, and so Budi, a member of the court, was designated as interpreter. From the details of his nationality it appeared that he was a vinegrower and farmer from Visignano in Istria, and was 48 years old. The extraordinarily interesting cross-examination made it clear that he was neither a relative nor a friend of the accused Simon Lamm, in fact, that he saw him there that day for the first time in his life,