“You may now retire, M. Baudoin; I don’t think I shall need you for some time to come. All the same, if you leave Paris, give M. Baradier your address, so that the summons I shall address to you may reach you in good time.”
Baudoin bowed to the magistrate, saluted the Colonel in military fashion, and left the room. When he was gone M. Mayeur returned to Vallenot, with a smile on his face; he could not allow his discouragement to appear in public.
“The Minister of War delivered a very solid speech last night in the House.”
“Yes; they try to mystify him, but he is able to defend himself. He knows what he is talking about, and a direct attack always succeeds with Parliamentarians.”
“Imperatoria brevitas,” sneered the magistrate.
After a short pause he asked in honeyed tones—
“Have your researches come to a point yet?”
“Not at all; they are no further advanced than yours.”
M. Mayeur smiled faintly.