And Crochard, drawing his chair closer, began his rapid instructions.
CHAPTER VI
THE MYSTERIOUS SIGNALS
M. Delcassé was a busy man, that morning, and he snorted with derision when Lépine, having secured admission for a moment, told him of Crochard's request for an audience at eleven o'clock.
"Impossible!" he said. "The Board of Inquiry is to convene at that hour, and I must be present to address them."
"Perhaps it would be possible to adjourn the meeting until afternoon," Lépine suggested.
Delcassé stared at him in astonishment.
"Possible, yes," he said; "most things are possible. But do you know what it is you are proposing?"