"And I must to bed," said Tournay. "This morning's dawn found me in the saddle in order to reach the convention at an early hour."
"You have made a mistake, citizen sergeant," exclaimed Gaillard suddenly, as an officer of gendarmerie appeared at the open door. "The floor above is where you want to go."
"I want to see the Citizen Colonel Tournay," was the reply.
"I am he," said Tournay.
The sergeant awkwardly gave the military salute. "Here is a letter for you, citizen colonel."
Tournay took the paper, and the sergeant turned toward the door.
"Is there any answer required?" asked Tournay, as he broke the seal.
"None through me. Good-night, citizen colonel." And the heavy jack-boots were heard descending the stairs.
Gaillard began hurriedly to make a bundle of his theatrical costume, while Tournay broke the seal and glanced over the contents of the letter.
"Read this," he said, passing the paper to Gaillard, who stood by his side, bundle under arm.