“I must ask permission to speak in the presence of no one but yourself. It is a secret which interests the lives of those who are too dear to me to warrant my entrusting it to any other than yourself.” “Not even to Colonel Vallenot?” “A secret which belongs to several persons,” said Baudoin, coldly, “is no longer a secret. I will tell it either to the Colonel or to yourself.” “Very good, my friend, you are right. Will you retire, Colonel Vallenot? This good fellow means no offence. I approve of his thoughtfulness.” Vallenot smiled and saluted. It was evident he would gladly have stayed. But his chief had given the order. A quarter of an hour later the telephone bell rang. Placing the apparatus to his ear, he heard the Minister call out— “Bring me File Z, No. 3, from the secret press.” Vallenot opened a large iron safe, and took out a yellow bundle of papers, which he carried into his chief’s room. Baudoin was standing before the desk, and the General _was_ attentively listening to him. Vallenot withdrew. Another interval for a quarter of an hour, then a fresh ring at the telephone— “Send me Captain Rimbert, who had charge of the Valance affair.” Vallenot murmured— “The deuce! There is something in the wind here!” Ringing for his office-boy, he gave the order and waited patiently. Half an hour passed, then the study-door opened, and Baudoin, conducted by the General himself, appeared. The latter now appeared satisfied, and said— “Very good, Baudoin; so it is understood?” “Yes, General.” “You will request M. Marcel Baradier to call on me?” “Yes, General.” “And if you hear of anything, let me know of it at once.” “Yes, General.” “Good day. Come in, Vallenot.” Baudoin left the room. The Minister returned to his study, where the young Captain Rimbert stood waiting. “Colonel, will you kindly make out a _resumé_ of the Espurzheim and Vicomte de Fontenailles affairs. I believe we are on the point of laying our hands on this crafty woman who so completely tricked all my predecessors, and mystified myself two years ago. Ah! If I can have my revenge it shall be a complete one!” “Then we have to deal with the woman who has successively borne the name of Madame Ferranti, with Espurzheim, . . . ” said the Colonel. “And of Countess de Vervelde, with poor Fontenailles,” added Captain Rimbert. “And finally of La Ténébreuse,” summed up the Minister. “Oh! What trouble and money the wretch has cost us without our succeeding in laying hands on her!” “Well, gentlemen, we will try not to fail this time. Prepare the notes I requested, Colonel. And you, Captain Rimbert, not a word!”