The minister looked from the colonel to the two boys, and back again.
"Do you mean to say--?" he began, incredulously.
"Yes, sir, it is us," Ralph said; "and I do not think there is much fear of our being recognized."
"So little that I do not recognize you, now.
"There is no mistake, colonel?" he said, gravely; "no mystification? You give me your pledge, and assurance, that these are the officers who have volunteered for this duty? Remember, any mistake might be fatal."
"These are certainly the Barclays, sir. I give you my word."
"It is a marvelous disguise," Gambetta said, his doubts now laid at rest; "and does them immense credit.
"There are the dispatches, gentlemen. They are done up in these two quills, and sealed. They are of the utmost importance; and must not, at any hazard, fall into the hands of the enemy. The dispatches are in duplicate so that, in case one only gets in, the purpose is served.
"This is a circular letter, to all maires and other French authorities, ordering them to give you every possible assistance.
"This is a special note, to the Maire of Melun.