Henri, drawn within his mother’s arm, went on to tell of the surprise that met him when he first entered the house.
“I was expecting to be ushered into the presence of some stern-faced statesman, to hand him this packet with a bow; then to receive some word of approbation; and, then, to hurry out and hunt for mother.
“Instead of the ‘stern-faced statesman’ you now know whom I found. The packet was addressed to C. Giraud. My mother’s maiden name was Clementine Giraud. I never thought of putting the two together; indeed, I never even noted the name—only the street and number. The oldest friend of our family at Calais in this important looking document, with its seals and ribbons, merely extended his compliments to Madame Trouville, and wished her joy of his messenger. And another thing, it provided the captain with authority to land us at Havre. Wasn’t that a dandy frame-up?”
Without another word each of the three boys faced about, unbuckled and pulled the treasure belt from beneath his blouse. Noting the action, Henri did likewise.
Then, gently guiding his mother to a chair, where he enthroned her as a queen, he laid the four belts in her lap.
The Trouville fortune had been saved!
CHAPTER XXXIX.
THE CALL OF THE AIR.
The call of the air and action was again insistent. Our Aviator Boys grew restless with leisure, though it could be imagined that they had well earned a season of rest. Only the regret of Henri to leave his mother held them quiet even so long as a couple of weeks.
As to Jimmy, he was hankering for submarine service, and only Reddy had the Paris fever. He wanted to live out his dream.