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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.
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