The French government declined
to believe that England might need assistance. We shall get no aid from
there."
The little old gentleman leaned over and addressed me.
"What is your next step?"
"We have none," I answered bluntly. "I have only spoken for a minute or
two with Guest since we heard of our last failure. Shall I fetch him?"
Adele nodded. I went for Guest, who was promenading the room with his
hands behind him, casting every now and then a sharp glance in our
direction.
"They wish to speak to you," said.
He nodded and walked by my side.
"Our friend," he said, "is admirably disguised, but I recognized him. It
is Monsieur Bardow, the cleverest man in France."
The two men exchanged bows and smiles. A waiter was standing near.
"I insist, Monsieur," Monsieur Bardow said, "that you and your nephew
here join me in a bottle of wine. We will drink luck to your new venture.
No! you must seat yourself, you and your nephew also!"
The farce was well kept up till the wine had been fetched and the waiter
dismissed. Then Monsieur Bardow, with the mild expression of one who is
still exchanging compliments, began to talk.
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