The president read: 'Mister President, I can provide the inquiry committee with important information about Lieutenant-General Count Morcerf's conduct in Epirus and Macedonia.'
He paused. Your father had gone even paler. The president glanced around the room. 'Continue,' everyone said.
'I was present at the death of Ali Pasha. I witnessed his final moments. I know what happened to Vasiliki and Haydée. I'm at the committee's disposal and request the honor of testifying. I'll be waiting in the lobby when this note is delivered.'
'Who is this witness?' your father demanded, his voice shaking. 'Or should I say, this enemy?'
'We'll find out,' the president replied. 'Is the committee willing to hear this witness?'
'Yes!' everyone said at once.
A guard was called. 'Is someone in the lobby?' the president asked.
'Yes, sir.'
'Who?'
'A woman with a servant.'
Everyone looked at each other in surprise. 'Bring her in,' the president ordered.
