Vallenot opened a large iron safe, and took out a yellow bundle of papers, which he carried into his chief’s room. Baudoin was standing before the desk, and the General was attentively listening to him. Vallenot withdrew. Another interval for a quarter of an hour, then a fresh ring at the telephone—
“Send me Captain Rimbert, who had charge of the Valance affair.”
Vallenot murmured—
“The deuce! There is something in the wind here!”
Ringing for his office-boy, he gave the order and waited patiently. Half an hour passed, then the study-door opened, and Baudoin, conducted by the General himself, appeared. The latter now appeared satisfied, and said—
“Very good, Baudoin; so it is understood?”
“Yes, General.”
“You will request M. Marcel Baradier to call on me?”
“Yes, General.”
“And if you hear of anything, let me know of it at once.”