r proposed a renewed examination of the
affair, for which purpose he would delegate the Governor of
Alsace-Lorraine, with instructions to check the report of the
police. An understanding was at once arrived at on this basis; and
the French government has appointed a member of the cabinet, M. Le
Corbier, under-secretary of state for home affairs, to act as its
representative. It is possible that an interview may take place
between these two prominent personages."

And the newspaper added:

"This intervention on the part of the emperor is a proof of his
peaceful intentions, but it can hardly be said to alter the
situation. If France be in the wrong--and it were almost to be
hoped that she may be--then France will yield. But, if it be once
more proved on our side that the arrest took place on French soil
and if Germany refuse to yield, what will happen then?"

CHAPTER VI

THE BUTTE-AUX-LOUPS

Whatever might be the eventual outcome of this last effort, it was a
respite granted to the two nations. It gave a gleam of hope, it left a
loop-hole, a chance of an arrangement.

And old Morestal, seized with fresh confidence and already triumphant,
rejoiced, as he could not fail to do:

"Why, of course," he concluded, "it will all be settled! Didn't I tell
you so from the beginning, Philippe? It only wanted a little
firmness.... We have spoken clearly; and, at once, under a show of
conciliation which will deceive no one, the enemy forms a plan of
retreat. For, mark you, that's all that it means...."

And, as he continued to read the paper, he exclaimed:

"Ah, just so!... I understand!... Listen, Philippe, to this little
telegram, which sounds like nothing at all: 'England has recalled her
squadrons from foreign waters and is concentrating them in the Channel
and in the North Sea.' Aha, that solves the mystery! They have
reflected ... and reflection is the mother of wisdom.... And here,
Philippe, this other telegram, which is worth noting: 'Three hundred
French aviators, from every part of France, have responded to the
rousing appeal issued by Captain Leriot of the territorials, the hero of
the Channel crossing. They will all be at Chalons camp on Tuesday, with
their aeroplanes!'... Ha, what do you say to that, my boy? On the one
side, the British fleet.... On the other side, our air fleet.... Wipe
your pretty eyes, my sweet Suzanne, and get suppe