"So, Samson, it is you!" said Lépine, quietly.
"Yes, sir," answered Samson. "I was expecting you. But I did not think you would recognise me so readily."
Lépine laughed shortly.
"I have a good memory," he said. "Crochard told you, perhaps, that I might come?"
"Yes, sir; and he directed that I give you this."
He handed Lépine a note. The latter broke the seal, held it to the light and read it carefully:
"My dear M. Lépine:
"I have found it necessary to leave Toulon, in the pursuit of a certain business, whose nature you can guess. I hope soon to have good news for M. Delcassé and yourself. Meanwhile, I would remind you of our agreement as to my friends. Samson is one of them. He has already been of some service in this affair, and may be of more. We can discuss his future upon my return. I will answer for him.
"Crochard, L'Invincible!"
Lépine refolded the note and slipped it into his pocket.