“To assure myself that you are really the son of Kadja-sing, and to execute the orders I have received.”
“From whom?”
“From General Simon.”
“But where is he?”
“When I have proof that you are Prince Djalma, I will tell you. I was informed that you would be mounted on a black mare, with a red bridle. But—”
“By the soul of my mother! speak what you have to say!”
“I will tell you all—if you can tell me what was the printed paper, contained in the last letter that General Simon wrote you from Sumatra.”
“It was a cutting from a French newspaper.”
“Did it announce good or bad news for the general?”
“Good news—for it related that, during his absence, they had acknowledged the last rank and title bestowed on him by the Emperor, as they had done for others of his brothers in arms, exiled like him.”