"Well," said the sub-prefect, "I don't see any information there."
"Turn over the paper."
"Ah, ha!" exclaimed the functionary.
The paper which he held was one half of a page of letter paper torn through the middle. On the other side from that on which the receipt was written were these words:--
arquis
ceived this instant the news
her whom we are expecting.
Beaufays, evening of 26th
send officers of your division
presented to Madame.
your people in hand.
respectfully,
oux.
"The devil!" cried the sub-prefect; "that is nothing more nor less than a call to arms. It is easy enough to make out the rest."
"Nothing easier," said the general. Then he added, in a low voice, "Too easy, perhaps."
"Ah, ça! didn't you tell me these people were sly and cautious? I call this, on the contrary, a bit of innocent carelessness which is amazing."
"Wait," said Dermoncourt; "that's not all."
"Ah, ha!"