"They don't know. They can't say. I told you, I have no certain news of Roy."
"No. But you have some reason to suppose that he might have been one of the party."
Curtis hesitated again. "He—one of the men—did hear a report. They were only a night or two at Bitche, in the great dungeon, some time after this happened. It was said that Roy had been there—up to the day when the escape was attempted. And after that—"
"After that—?"
"Roy had disappeared. As well as the midshipmen."
Dead silence followed. Denham was the first to speak.
"No certainty—either way. This must not reach Mrs. Baron. Take care that it does not come to her ears."
"It will be all over Verdun in a day." Colonel Baron spoke in a gloomy tone. "But perhaps—if I warn friends—"
"Go at once—both of you. Never mind me. For Heaven's sake, keep it from her, at least till we know the truth," urged Ivor passionately.
Colonel Baron insisted on giving him an arm as far as the house; after which he and Curtis went off together, and Denham dragged himself slowly upstairs. Lucille was gone out; and Mrs. Baron came to meet him. "My dear Den—how ill you look! What made you go so far?"