"No. I am this moment come back. But, for God's sake, Captain, tell me what it is."
"A fellow named Carteaux has charged you with half killing him and stealing his despatches. That is all I know."
"Is that all? Diable! I am sorry I did not wholly kill him. I knew this would come out soon or late. Of course he is lying; but I did shoot him."
"There is a malignant article in the 'Aurora' to-day—there, I marked it."
René looked it over as he stood. "So I am the thief, I am the agent of the cabinet or the Federal party, and mon Dieu, Schmidt—"
"It is serious," said the captain. "A horsewhip is the weapon needed here, but I am at your service in every way."
"Thank you; but first of all, I must see Mr. Randolph; and, oh, worst of all, Schmidt is absent!" He felt that he could not meet Margaret until he had put an end to this slander. He foresaw also that to meet with success would, in Schmidt's absence, be difficult. Thanking his sailor friend, he made haste to see his official superior.
"Ah," said Randolph, "I am both glad and sorry to see you. Sit down. Have you heard of the charges against you made by Mr. Fauchet for his secretary, Carteaux?"
"Nothing very clear, sir; but enough to bring me here instantly to have the thing explained to me."
"Pray read this statement."