M. Masseron was very frank in his reply:
“No, monsieur le président,” he said, plainly and without hesitation.
“Well, then. . . .”
And, turning to Don Luis:
“And you, sir,” Valenglay asked, “is it your last word?”
“My last word.”
“If we refuse . . . good-evening?”
“You have stated the case precisely, monsieur le président.”
“And, if we accept, will the gold be handed over at once?”
“At once.”