"Very well," said the Doctor, who took the note and shut the door in Mlle.'s face.
"Now that is not polite," said she. "After all, though, he may have been engaged in some operation when I rang, and he may have been very much annoyed by the interruption."
Von Apsberg read the letter which had been given him hurriedly and uttered an exclamation of joy. When he rejoined his friends, he said, "God has come to our assistance."
"Nothing that concerns us," said the Doctor, seeking to disguise his trouble; "I have an appointment which is strictly private."
"Tell me, then," said Monte-Leone, "who is accused of having betrayed us."
"I do not know," said Von Apsberg, at once changing his tone. "No one can say who he is."
D'Harcourt and Taddeo looked at him with surprise. The Count said, "I thought our secret enemy, or the person pointed out as such, was known to you."
"He is not," said the Doctor, looking significantly at his friends. "None know who he is."
"Then," said Monte-Leone, "we must seek him out and reach him wherever he is."
"If we discover him," said Von Apsberg, "what shall be his fate."
"Our statutes provide for that case," said Monte-Leone; "he shall share his victim's fate. If our brethren die, so shall he."
"Listen," said Monte-Leone, "the signature of Ober is false, but perhaps it is the only one which has been counterfeited. We must ascertain whether the others are. This point must be cleared up, and I will see to it. Gold and influence will open the dungeons of our friends, and I will see them. Besides, the papers were not out of my possession. Ah!" said he, as if he were utterly discouraged, "this is enough to make a man mad. To-morrow I shall have penetrated it, and then you will see me." He went out through the secret pannel.
When it had closed, Apsberg arose and repeating his last words, said, "Yes, my friends, to-morrow you shall know all." Taking from his bosom the letter Mlle. Crepineau had given him, he read as follows:
"TO DOCTOR MATHEUS--If you would ascertain who has denounced your brethren, the miserable spy whose reports have ruined them and given to your enemies the original rolls, be to-night at 11 o'clock, p. m., at the back door of the Prefecture of Police, opening on the _quai des Orfevres_. You will there find the person you need. This is the hour of his _rendezvous_. Stand in the angle of the door, and without being seen, you may recognize the informer.