Rodin’s master interrupted him.

“Now read the letter from Batavia, and complete the information respecting Djalma.”

Rodin read, and then observed: 

“Good news again.  Joshua Van Dael, merchant at Batavia (he was educated in our Pondicherry establishment), learns from his correspondent at Calcutta that the old Indian king was killed in the last battle with the English.  His son, Djalma, deprived of the paternal throne, is provisionally detained as a prisoner of state in an Indian fortress.”

“We are at the end of October,” said Rodin’s master.  “If Prince Djalma were to leave India now, he could scarcely reach Paris by the month of February.”

“Van Dael,” continued Rodin, “regrets that he has not been able to prove his zeal in this case.  Supposing Prince Djalma set at liberty, or having effected his escape, it is certain he would come to Batavia to claim his inheritance from his mother, since he has nothing else left him in the world.  In that case, you may rely on Van Dael’s devotedness.  In return, he solicits very precise information, by the next post, respecting the fortune of M. le Baron Tripeaud, banker and manufacturer, with whom he has business transactions.”

“Answer that point evasively.  Van Dael as yet has only shown zeal; complete the information respecting Djalma from these new tidings.”

Rodin wrote.

But in a few minutes his master said to him with a singular expression: 

“Does not Van Dael mention General Simon in connection with Djalma’s imprisonment and his father’s death?”

“He does not allude to him,” said the secretary, continuing his task.

Rodin’s master was silent, and paced the room.

In a few moments Rodin said to him:  “I have done it.”

“Go on, then.”

“’Note, No.  IV.

“’Jacques Rennepont, surnamed “Sleepinbuff,” i.e.  Lie naked, workman in Baron Tripeaud’s factory.  This artisan is drunken, idle, noisy, and prodigal; he is not without sense, but idleness and debauch have ruined him.  A clever agent, on whom we rely, has become acquainted with his mistress, Cephyse Soliveau, nicknamed the Bacchanal Queen.  Through her means, the agent has formed such ties with him that he may even now be considered beyond the reach of the interests that ought to insure his presence in Paris on the 13th of February.

“’Note, No.  V.

“’Gabriel Rennepont, priest of foreign missions, distant relation of the above, but he is alike ignorant of the existence of his relative and the relationship.  An orphan foundling, he was adopted by Frances Baudoin, the wife of a soldier going by the name Dagobert.

“’Should this soldier, contrary to expectation, reach Paris, his wife would be a powerful means of influencing him.  She is an excellent creature, ignorant and credulous, of exemplary piety, over whom we have long had unlimited control.  She prevailed on Gabriel to take orders, notwithstanding his repugnance.