"Is there anything interesting connected with it?" asked Ben.
"Yes, I believe Voltaire once lived here," answered Grafton.
"I always thought he lived at the Chateau de Ferney."
"He also lived here for a few months," said Major Grafton, shortly. "I think Calvin also lived here once."
Ben entered without suspicion. A suave, black-whiskered man welcomed them. He seemed to recognize Major Grafton, and was voluble in his protestations of joy at meeting them.
"Is this the boy you spoke of?" he asked.
"Yes," answered Grafton. "Philip," he said, "remain in this room a few minutes while I speak with M. Bourdon."
"Certainly, sir."
He waited fifteen, twenty, thirty minutes, and no one came back. Finally the door opened and the black-whiskered man made his appearance—alone.