"Do you think of erecting a monument to M. Silwood?" asked Ucelli. "If so, I can have it made for you here."
"No," replied Gilbert, shortly. "What I intend to do is to remove the body to England."
"The body removed to England!" said the Syndic, who had given a great start on hearing Gilbert's statement.
"Yes; that seems best," remarked Gilbert, watching Ucelli keenly, and noticing his surprise.
"But think! he died of cholera! The law will forbid—it does forbid—the body of one who has died of cholera from being removed. It is therefore impossible, I regret to tell you, for you to carry out your intention. I am very sorry, for your idea is a natural one; but the law, monsieur, the law will not permit it."
"There's a good deal of cleverness about this plot," thought Gilbert. But he said to Ucelli, "I am very sorry to hear this. Is there no way of getting over the difficulty?"
"No way, monsieur, none whatever. It is impossible. It is the law. And it is also common sense," he added, smoothly and courteously. "On reflection you must admit it."
"Suppose the law did not forbid it," asked Gilbert, "what should I have to do in order to be allowed to remove the body?"
"The authorities must give permission."
"What authorities?"