"Very well; we will go to meet him."
And in fact, in his haste, Monsieur Roger carried his friend off to meet the postman.
But days had elapsed since Monsieur Dalize had, according to promise, written to the registrar of births, to ask him to forward a copy of the register of birth of Paul Solange, and no answer had yet arrived. This silence had astonished Monsieur Dalize and given a hope to Monsieur Roger.
"There must be some reason, don't you see," he said, walking beside his friend. "Some important reason why the registrar has not yet answered your pressing letter."
"A reason, an important reason," replied Monsieur Dalize; "the explanation may be that the registrar is away."
"No; there is some other reason," answered Monsieur Roger with conviction.
Half-way to the station they met the letter-carrier, who said,—
"Monsieur Dalize, there are two letters for you."
The first letter which Monsieur Dalize opened bore the address of the registrar of births. He rapidly read the few lines, then turned towards Roger.
"You are right," said he; "there is a reason. Read."