The real reason is that your hatred of Russia has gone to your head,' Henri said. 'You twist facts, spread all sorts of lies. It's a filthy business! By attacking Russia, you're attacking socialism in general.'

'You know damned well that Russia and socialism have nothing to do with each other any more,' Scriassine said, his voice thickening.

'Don't tell me that America is any closer to socialism!' Henri said. Scriassine looked at Henri with eyes red with anger. 'You call yourself my friend! And you defend a regime that's condemned me to death! The day they shoot me, you'll explain in L'Espoir that they had good reasons for doing it.'

'My God!' Henri said. 'The old veterans and their war stories weren't bad enough! Now we're going to start hearing about the executions of the future!'