The hero of the last night's adventure was at once introduced. He saluted the King with spirit, and then stood rigidly at attention, without in the least noticing the Chancellor.
"This is a most grave affair, sir," began the King. "Have you any light to throw on the parties concerned?"
"I believe, sire, I have identified the girl," replied the gendarme.
"I do not know, sire; but it may elucidate the point if I inform your majesty of a curious statement she made to me."
"Well, sir, proceed," said the King, as the officer hesitated.
"She spoke very strangely," replied the gendarme, "of having been rescued from some danger by your majesty."
"And what of the man?" asked the King, endeavouring to conceal his interest.
"As to that, I cannot speak with such certainty," answered the officer.
"Hear, Chancellor! hear, General! to what a pitch of insolence these wretches are coming!" said the King hotly. "It is growing past bearing. We have not acted a moment too soon."
"Not a moment, I quite agree," said the Chancellor.
"If you could recognise the man," pursued the King. "I would have him arrested at once."
"It is possible, sire, that I might," said the officer, as rigid as ever. "He was a beggar with a limp, deformed shoulders, and a peculiarly educated voice for one of his class. And, further, I think I can tell your majesty where to inquire for him."
"What do you mean, sir?" said the King. "Proceed as shortly as possible."
"He took refuge in the High Chancellor's garden," said the officer.
"Are you sure of this?" asked the King, growing suddenly calm.
"I took particular pains not to be mistaken, sire," answered the gendarme, "because the fellow had the impudence to say he was the Chancellor himself."
"What is the meaning of this?" said the King, turning on the Chancellor.
"A lie to cover a lamentable piece of incompetency, I should say," said Turbo coolly.
"That, sire, is a very natural solution for his excellency to offer," said the General, coming with subdued excitement to the aid of his subordinate; "but it hardly explains the fact that this note, directed in Mlle de Tricotrin's hand to his excellency, was found upon this unfortunate girl."
With all his self-control Turbo could not suppress an uneasy movement as the General produced the little note and handed it to the King. In the excitement of having the girl in his power he had quite forgotten this part of the arrangement, and so had omitted to possess himself of the evidence of Mlle de Tricotrin's treachery.