“Has Laforêt returned?”
“Yes, Colonel, a minute ago.”
“Send him here.”
Closing the door with considerable precaution, the agent, with firm step, a sonorous cough, and head raised in military fashion, as he stood at attention, appeared before his principals.
The Minister examined for a moment the man’s frank, martial face; then he asked briefly—
“Colonel Vallenot has reported all that had taken place up to the time of his departure from Vanves. Complete his version by telling us what you have learnt since. Take a seat, Vallenot.”
“Monsieur le Ministre,” said the agent, “I will come at once to the most important point: the body of General de Trémont has been found.”
“In the garden. At first no one thought of searching beyond the house and the débris. It was whilst exploring the bushes that the body of the General was discovered, close to the entrance gate.”
“What! Had the explosion projected him so far?”