He seemed terrified. His bony old hands clutched M. de Trébons' arm and his little eyes glittered with rage.
Old Poussière jerked his head and stammered:
"Oh, no!... The Uhlans!... The Uhlans!..."
M. de Trébons released himself gently and made them sit down. Then, going up to Marthe:
"M. Le Corbier would be glad to see you, madame, at the same time as M. Philippe Morestal. And he also asks M. Morestal to be good enough to come back."
The two Morestals and Marthe walked away, leaving Suzanne Jorancé behind.
But, at that moment, a strange thing happened, which, no doubt, had its effect on the march of events. From the German tent issued Weisslicht and his men, followed by an officer in full uniform, who crossed the open space, went up to M. de Trébons and told him that his excellency the Statthalter, having completed his enquiries, would feel greatly honoured if he could have a short conversation with the under-secretary of state.
M. de Trébons at once informed M. Le Corbier, who, escorted by the German officer, walked towards the road, while M. de Trébons showed the Morestal family in.
The tent, which was a fairly large one, was furnished with a few chairs and a table, on which lay the papers dealing with the case. A page lay open bearing Saboureux's clumsy signature and the mark made by Old Poussière.