The Count of Monte Cristo

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"'The same deadly silence succeeded these words. Then the general
advanced, and making a violent effort to control his feelings,--"I have
a son," said he, "and I ought to think of him, finding myself among
assassins."

"'"General," said the chief of the assembly, "one man may insult
fifty--it is the privilege of weakness. But he does wrong to use his
privilege. Follow my advice, swear, and do not insult." The general,
again daunted by the superiority of the chief, hesitated a moment; then
advancing to the president's desk,--"What is the form, said he.

"'"It is this:--'I swear by my honor not to reveal to any one what I
have seen and heard on the 5th of February, 1815, between nine and
ten o'clock in the evening; and I plead guilty of death should I ever
violate this oath.'" The general appeared to be affected by a nervous
tremor, which prevented his answering for some moments; then, overcoming
his manifest repugnance, he pronounced the required oath, but in so low