"But they did not go to Frejus," Crochard added. "They stopped at Salins, which they reached about ten o'clock, boarded a small steam-yacht which was waiting there, and at once put out to sea. I fear they are beyond our reach."
Delcassé stamped his foot.
"What, then, is to be done?" he demanded.
"It seems to me most important that we identify these men," said Crochard; "then we shall know where to look for them."
"Yes," agreed Delcassé; "but how are they to be identified?"
"There are, no doubt, in the files of your department, photographs of the most prominent German officers, both of army and navy. I believe these men to be officers—one, at least—the other may belong to the secret service. I would suggest that these photographs be brought to Toulon, and that it also be ascertained which officers are on leave of absence, or not with their commands. Probably it will be necessary to search only among the general officers. An affair so important would not be entrusted to a subordinate."
Delcassé made a quick note.
"The photographs will be here to-morrow," he promised.
"I would further suggest that the innkeeper be strictly interrogated," Crochard went on. "I ventured to ask him only a careless question or two; he does not know me, and I did not wish to arouse his suspicions."
Lépine arose.