“I am most glad,” said Monsieur Fochard, “that this matter came to my notice while there was yet some chance of success.” Ethan bowed, and repeated the man’s words in English to Longsword. The latter seemed astonished and was about to ask some questions, but a secret signal from Ethan stopped him. “At first I thought,” said the Frenchman, “that the Lascar would try to sell the paper back to the Americans. And in this I was not very far wrong. He would have endeavored to do so had he not discovered that they could not afford to pay so much for it as the English.” “How do you manage to find these things out?” asked Ethan curiously. Fochard laughed, clasped his plump white hands before him and twirled his thumbs. “My agents are everywhere, even in King Louis’ bedchamber,” he replied. “The system that I have built up is the result of years of labor. There is nothing of importance happens in Paris that I do not know. When the loss of this American dispatch filtered through to me, I at once communicated with you and appointed this meeting.” “It was most kind of you,” said Ethan after he had acquainted Longsword with the outline of what Fochard had said. He did this because he had a lurking suspicion that the man might not be so ignorant of English as he professed to be. “But,” the boy proceeded, “has anything further been discovered?” “There has been important information brought to me within the past hour; in fact the agent who brought it was Garvace, and he left but a few moments ago. The Lascar once served the English Earl of Selkirk in some capacity and is, so it is understood, now on his way to some port where he can get a ship for England or Scotland and so place the papers in the Earl’s hands for the crown.” “Do you know what port he is headed for?” “No; but like as not it is Brest or Nantes; or perhaps L’Orient.” “He is wounded and may perhaps be delayed upon that account,” said Ethan. “Yes, that is true; however, I have taken no chances with him, for he is a most cunning rascal. My agents are after him. Not a vessel will leave any French port until it has been searched for him in my secret way.” “Can we do anything to assist you?” “Not in France, no. But we have learned that the Earl of Selkirk is most likely to be found at this time of the year at his place on St. Mary’s Isle. It is there Siki will make his way should he succeed in eluding us. My advice to you is to go there with your men, and wait for him.” “Your advice,” said Ethan, who had been repeating all this to his companion, “is good.” “That, then,” said Fochard, rising as a sign that the interview was at an end, “is all that I can do for you, now. You will pardon me, I know; but I have most important matters that claim my attention.” “Then we will not detain you,” said Ethan. As he led them out of the room, and toward the street door, Fochard continued: