"Glad to meet you, I'm sure!" declared Jimmie, again extending his hand. "My name's Jimmie McGraw, of New York." Then, indicating his companions, he named them in turn. "Now I guess we're acquainted."
"Thank you," acknowledged Francois. "Just let me make a note of the names. I can remember them better if I write them down."
With this he drew from a pocket a memorandum book and pencil. As he was searching for a blank page, Jimmie nudged Ned. Drawing down one eyelid the lad took from a pocket the note that had been found on the Grey Eagle. Carefully unfolding the paper, Jimmie compared it with the pages of the memorandum book in which Francois was inscribing their names.
Nodding his head the lad rapidly conversed with Ned in the mute language used to great advantage by the boys at various times.
"It looks like the same kind of paper!" he signaled.
"That looks rather strange!" returned Ned in the same manner.
"Maybe he's in league with The Rat!" Jimmie ventured. Then as Francois looked up with a pleasant smile from his task, the lad said:
"Well, Mr. Neighbor, we got your message all right, but we couldn't see our way clear to stay away from Paris!"
A puzzled look came over the face of Francois. He shook his head.
"May I take a look at your handwriting?" requested Jimmie, reaching out a hand for the memorandum book which was handed to him.