“’Note, No.  I.

“’Rose and Blanche Simon, twin sisters, about fifteen years of age; very pretty, so much alike, one might be taken for the other; mild and timid disposition, but capable of enthusiasm.  Brought up in Siberia by their mother, a woman of strong mind and deistical sentiments, they are wholly ignorant of our holy religion.

“’General Simon, separated from his wife before they were born, is not aware, even now, that he has two daughters.

“’It was hoped that their presence in Paris, on the 13th of February, would be prevented, by sending their mother to a place of exile, much more distant than the one first allotted her; but their mother dying, the Governor of Siberia, who is wholly ours, supposing, by a deplorable mistake, that the measure only affected the wife of General Simon personally, unfortunately allowed the girls to return to France, under the guidance of an old soldier.

“’This man is enterprising, faithful, and determined.  He is noted down as dangerous.

“’The Simon girls are inoffensive.  It is hoped, on fair grounds, that they are now detained in the neighborhood of Leipsic.’”

Rodin’s master interrupted him, saying: 

“Now, read the letter just received from Leipsic; it may complete the information.”

Rodin read it, and exclaimed: 

“Excellent news!  The maidens and their guide had succeeded in escaping during the night from the White Falcon Tavern, but all three were overtaken and seized about a league from Mockern.  They have been transferred to Leipsic, where they are imprisoned as vagabonds; their guide, the soldier, is accused and condemned of resisting the authorities, and using violence to a magistrate.”

“It is almost certain, then, considering the tedious mode of proceeding in Germany (otherwise we would see to it), that the girls will not be able to be here on the 13th February,” added Rodin’s master.  “Append this to the note on the back.”

The secretary obeyed, and endorsed “An abstract of Morok’s letter.”

“It is written,” he then added.

“Go on,” resumed his master.

Rodin continued reading.

“’Note, No.  II.

“’Francois Hardy, manufacturer at Plessis, near Paris, forty years old; a steady, rich, intelligent, active, honest, well-informed man, idolized by his workmen—­thanks to numberless innovations to promote their welfare.  Never attending to the duties of our holy religion.  Noted down as a very dangerous man:  but the hatred and envy he excites among other manufacturers, especially in M. le Baron Tripeaud, his competitor, may easily be turned against him.  If other means of action on his account, and against him, are necessary, the evidence may be consulted; it is very voluminous.  This man has been marked and watched for a long time.

“’He has been so effectually misguided with respect to the medal, that he is completely deceived as to the interests it represents.  He is, however, constantly watched, surrounded, and governed, without suspecting it; one of his dearest friends deceives him, and through his means we know his secret thoughts.