The count's violent temper was notorious, and it is against all reason that two unarmed men should make an attack upon one armed with a sword, and within call of assistance.

You yourself know, Doctor Bertmann, that the reason which he alleged for the attack is a false one, as we were not asked for our parole." "I am, of course, aware of that," the doctor said, "and should attend to give evidence, but the case is a doubtful one.

The officers of our line regiments are, for the most part, poor and friendless men.
Promotion is almost entirely by favoritism, and it would need a very considerable amount of courage and independence to give a verdict in the teeth of their commanding officer.

In the next place, for I have heard them talking it over among themselves, there is a sort of feeling that, for the honor of the Russian army, it is almost necessary that you should be found guilty, since it would throw discredit upon the whole service were it published to the world that two unarmed young English officers had been attacked with a sword by a Russian officer of rank." "Then things look rather badly for us," said Jack.

"Well, it can't be helped, you know, and the count will, no doubt, write to our people at home, to tell them the truth of the case." "Oh," said the doctor, "you must not misunderstand me.