The German crossed the frontier. M. Le Corbier watched him walk away, stood for a moment in thought and then returned to the French tent.
He was surprised to find the Morestals there. But he gave a gesture as though, after all, he was rather pleased than otherwise at this accident and he asked M. de Trébons:
"Did you hear?"
"Yes, monsieur le ministre."
"Then do not lose a moment, my dear Trébons. You will find my car at the bottom of the hill. Go to Saint-Élophe, telephone to the prime minister and communicate the German reply to him officially. It is urgent. There may be immediate measures to be taken ... with regard to the frontier."
He said these last words in a low voice, with his eyes fixed on the two Morestals, went out with M. de Trébons and accompanied him as far as the French camp.
A long silence followed upon his disappearance. Philippe, clenching his fists, blurted out:
"It's terrible ... it's terrible...."
And turning to his father:
"You are quite sure, I suppose, of what you are swearing?... Of the exact place?..."