"Who sends you here, then?"
"Gudel—Iron Jaws, you know."
"Why did he not come himself?"
"Ah! that I can't say. Gudel bade me give this note to you."
Irène broke the seal. The envelope contained two letters. One was directed to "Miss Irainne," the other to "Mademoiselle de Salves." Why did she open the latter? Did she know from the defective orthography that the first could not come from Fanfar? The letter she opened was from Fanfar. This was it:
"You, who are so good and kind, be doubly so to the sister I found when too late. The hour draws near when the so-called justice of man will strike an innocent person. You do not doubt me, I know. I am not one who would dishonor a sacred cause. Say to my sister that little Jacques has endeavored to be worthy of his father—Simon Fougère.
"I beg my adopted father, Gudel, to explain to you in detail the singular events of my life. I place entire confidence in you. I leave to your care poor Françoise and little Cinette. Love them, and they will return your affection. You have not forgotten the words addressed to you so long ago: 'Make yourself beloved.'
"I do not know whether I should now bid you an eternal farewell. I recognize the fact that I am the object of venomous hatred to some one, but to whom? Let no one seek to solve this mystery. I forgive this enemy, whomsoever he may be.
"In a few days—to-morrow, perhaps—my fate will be decided. Do not despair."
Tears filled Irène's eyes as she finished this letter.
Bobichel watched her all the time, restraining his sobs with difficulty.
"You love him!" he said softly, "and you are right, for he is the best man I ever knew!"