careful to warn my friend to repeat his
story to no one. That, I think, was the wisest course. Those men must
not know that we suspect them."

Delcasse nodded.

"You are right," he agreed. "Are you possessed of any further
information?"

"I had only a few hours," Crochard apologised; "but I did what I could.
I learned that two men resembling these, and undoubtedly the same, had
been staying since Friday at the Hotel du Nord. The proprietor of that
house informed me that they left before daybreak this morning to walk to
Frejus."

"Ah, then," began Delcasse.

"But they did not go to Frejus," Crochard added. "They stopped at
Salins, which they reached about ten o'clock, boarded a small
steam-yacht which was waiting there, and at once put out to sea. I fear
they are beyond our reach."

Delcasse stamped his foot.

"What, then, is to be done?" he demanded.

"It seems to me most important that we identify these men," said
Crochard; "then we shall know where to look for them."

"Yes," agreed Delcasse; "but how are they to be identified?"

"There are, no doubt, in the files of your department, photographs of
the most prominent German officers, both of army and navy. I believe
these men to be officers--one, at least--the other may belong to the
secret service. I would suggest that these photographs be brought to
Toulon, and that it also be ascertained which officers are on leave of
absence, or not with their commands. Probably it will be necessary to
search only among the general officers. An affair so important would
not be entrusted to a subordinate."

Delcasse made a quick note.

"The photographs will be here to-morrow," he promised.

"I would further suggest that the innkeeper be strictly interrogated,"
Crochard went on. "I ventured to ask him only a careless question or
two; he does not know me, and I did not wish to arouse his suspicions."

Lepine arose.

"I will see him at once," he said.

Crochard rose also.

"And I will accompany you. That is all the information I have at
present, sir," he added to Delcasse.

"It is a great deal," said the Minister quickly. "Just before you came,
I was remarking to Lepine that what we needed in this affair was a man
of genius. Well, I think that we have found him!"

Crochard flushed with pleasure.

"I thank you, sir," he said.

"And I thank you for coming to me," said Delcasse. "You are doing France
a great service. I shall not forget it. Until morning, then.