“What do you think of the plan, General?”
The old soldier looked at the magistrate, then at Vallenot. He noticed the impassive countenance of the latter, and replied—
“You need not ask for my advice. All these judicial operations are out of my province. Act as you think best; I have nothing to say.”
The magistrate shook his head, with a mocking smile; then, taking up his hat, he said—
“Ah, I know what you mean! So long as the affair is not over, no one wishes to have anything to do with it. If it succeeds, then I shall be the only one to be left out of it all. But that matters little. It is my duty, and I will not hesitate. Your servant, General.”
And he left the room accompanied by Colonel Vallenot.
CHAPTER V
It was about half-past nine, and Uncle Graff had dined in the Rue de Provènce as usual. Baudoin approached him, and whispered in his ear—
“Two ladies have called, and one of them wishes to speak to M. Marcel.”
“What kind of a woman is she?” asked the uncle.