"Yes," with a nod and a smile. "I was told to say they would be here shortly after you arrived."
"Oh, I guess she means the major and some of the officers will come to see how we are situated, and to tell us more about—the big stunt," said Tom in English to his chum, assuming that "big stunt" would sufficiently disguise to any listening spies, if such there were, the real object that lay before them.
"I suppose that's who she means," agreed Jack, as the landlady, who gave her name as Madame Reboux, withdrew.
The boys were busy unpacking their few belongings, for they had not brought much to Paris, not intending to stay long, when they heard voices in the hall outside their room. And at the tones of a certain voice Tom and Jack started and looked at one another.
"Listen!" exclaimed Tom.
"If I wasn't afraid you'd say I was dreaming, I'd say I knew that voice!" murmured Jack.
"I'd say the same," added Tom.
"Who would you say it was?" his chum challenged.
"Well, for a starter—"
He paused, for the voice sounded more plainly now, and it said: