"Take too long," replied Don Luis. "Just one question, though. You know that book I found in old Siméon's room, _The Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin_: did you see it when you were making your search?" "Look here, it seems to me we have other things to . . ." "It's an urgent question, captain." "Well, no, it wasn't there." "Then that's it," said Don Luis. "We've been done brown, or rather, to be accurate, I have. Let's be off, captain, as fast as we can." Patrice was still in the boat. He pushed off abruptly and caught up the scull, muttering: "As I live, I believe the beggar's getting at me!" He was ten yards from shore when he cried: "If you're afraid, I'll go alone. Don't want any help." "Right you are, captain!" replied Don Luis. "I'll expect you presently at the inn." * * * * * Patrice encountered no difficulties in his undertaking. At the first order, which he shouted in a tone of command, the _Belle Hélène_ stopped; and he was able to board her peacefully. The two bargees were men of a certain age, natives of the Basque coast. He introduced himself as a representative of the military authorities; and they showed him over their craft. He found neither old Siméon nor the very smallest bag of gold. The hold was almost empty. The questions and answers did not take long: "Where are you going?" "To Rouen. We've been requisitioned by the government for transport of supplies." "But you picked up somebody on the way." "Yes, at Mantes." "His name, please?" "Siméon Diodokis." "Where's he got to?" "He made us put him down a little after, to take the train." "What did he want?" "To pay us." "For what?" "For a shipload we took at Paris two days ago." "Bags?" "Yes." "What of?" "Don't know. We were well paid and asked no questions." "And what's become of the load?" "We transhipped it last night to a small steamer that came alongside of us below Passy." "What's the steamer's name?" "The _Chamois_. Crew of six." "Where is she now?" "Ahead of us. She was going fast. She must be at Rouen by this time. Siméon Diodokis is on his way to join her." "How long have you known Siméon Diodokis?" "It's the first time we saw him. But we knew that he was in M. Essarès' service." "Oh, so you've worked for M. Essarès?" "Yes, often. . . . Same job and same trip." "He called you by means of a signal, didn't he?" "Yes, he used to light an old factory-chimney." "Was it always bags?" "Yes. We didn't know what was inside. He was a good payer." Patrice asked no more questions. He hurriedly got into his boat, pulled back to shore and found Don Luis seated with a comfortable supper in front of him. "Quick!" he said. "The cargo is on board a steamer, the _Chamois_. We can catch her up between Rouen and Le Hâvre." Don Luis rose and handed the officer a white-paper packet: