"Now what are we after exactly—you and I? What is the common aim of the Second Bureau and Police Headquarters?"
De Loubersac's reply was:
"A document has been stolen from us: we want to find it."
Juve said:
"Two crimes have been committed: we wish to seize the assassin."
"And," continued de Loubersac, with a smile, "as it is probable the murderer of Captain Brocq and Nichoune is none other than the individual who stole our document."...
"By uniting our efforts," finished Juve, "we have every chance of discovering the one and the other."
There was a pause. Then Juve asked:
"Nevertheless, Lieutenant, since I find you here, I fancy there is some side development—some incident?... In reality, have you not come to Dieppe to intercept a certain corporal who is to deliver to a foreign power a piece of artillery of the highest importance?"
"You have hit it!" was de Loubersac's reply. "I see you know about this gun affair!"