traveled between the Thiberian frontier and the Himalayas.

"I do not know Dehra, but we have a mission in this town, and if you
think it might help in our researches I shall be pleased to send you a
letter for one of the Fathers whose help might be useful in this
matter...."

At last the letter was finished. The moment she had translated the last
word, without even waiting to write the polite ending, she gathered up
her sheets and went quickly to M. Vulfran's office. She found him
walking back and forth the length of the room, counting his steps as
much to avoid bumping against the wall as to curb his impatience.

"You have been very slow," he said.

"The letter was long and difficult," she replied.

"And you were interrupted, were you not? I heard the door of your office
open and close twice."

Since he put the question to her, she thought that she ought to reply
truthfully. It would solve the problem that had caused her so much
anxiety.

"Monsieur Theodore and Monsieur Talouel came into the office," she said.

"Ah!..."

He seemed as though he wanted to say more, but refrained.

"Give me the letter first," he said, "and we'll see to the other matter
after. Sit down beside me and read slowly. Don't raise your voice."

She read. Her voice was somewhat weak.

As she read the blind man murmured to himself from time to time: "Model
couple" ... "social pleasures" ... "English houses" ... "which?" ...
"One of his friends" ... "Which friend?"

When she had finished there was a silence. Finally M. Vulfran spoke:

"Can you translate into English as well as you translate English into
French?" he asked.

"I can do it if the phrases are not too difficult," she replied.

"A cable?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Well, sit down at that little table and write."

He dictated in French:

"Father Fields' Mission, Dacca:

"Thanks for letter. Please send by cable, reply prepaid,
twenty words ... name of friend who received last news,
date of letter. Send also name of the Reverend Father
at Dehra. Inform him that I shall write him immediately.
Paindavoine."

* * * * *

"Translate that into English and make it shorter rather than longer, if
possible. At one franc sixty centimes a word, we must not waste words.
Write very clearly."

The translation was quickly made.

"How many words?" he asked.

"In English ... thirty-seven."

He made the calculation for the