They obeyed that order with delight. They sprang to their places in the car.
"Now tell me everything!" said Colonel Menier. "How it is that you left Amiens and how you came here?"
He leaned over first, however, and spoke to his driver, and the car shot forward, leaving the troops far behind.
And then they began the story, each telling the part of it that he knew best. At the story of how the German officer had recognized Henri and caused his arrest, he clenched his hand angrily.
"They make war even on boys!" he said, bitterly. "A brave enemy recognizes the heroism of his foes. If I had been in that man's place I should have forgotten my own defeat and praised those who had caused it!"
Then came the story of Frank's discovery of the hidden vault and the boat, and of their voyage down the Somme and their lucky escape.
"Milles tonnerres!" he cried. "A thousand million thunders! That was well done! Through all the German sentries! Eh, well, I have a surprise for you when you reach Amiens with me, I think. Mind, I make no promises! Only wait!"
Slow as had been their flight from Amiens, their return was swift. Already they were in the outskirts. From every window hung the tricolor. Everywhere the people were mad with delight. The Germans had gone. At the sight of Colonel Menier's uniform women leaned from their windows, shrieking their joy.
In the town itself French troops were everywhere, marching through. Guns thundered along, and there were English troops as well as French. Amiens was in holiday mood. Straight through the cheering crowds the car sped on. It drew up at last before the Hotel de Ville. Sentries stood at the main door, but at the sight of Colonel Menier they saluted and gave him free passage.
Inside Colonel Menier spoke to a staff officer, who smiled and went into a room at the side. In a moment he returned.