Part 31 (2/2)

”Will all that frizzle keep in?” he asked, presently.

”Yes; the man said that the false hair--which is the greater portion of it--will keep as well for a week; and we have got a small curling iron, so we can beautify ourselves up when we like.”

”Well, boys, I have no doubt, now, that you will be able to get as far as Versailles; as to getting through, that's another matter--but if anyone can, you will, I am convinced.”

”I have not much doubt about it, colonel,” Ralph said. ”I seem to see my way quite clearly into Paris. Much more clearly, indeed, than I do to getting out again.”

”Oh, it does not matter about getting out again, boys. You can stop quietly in there, until the end of the siege.”

”That is just what we don't want to do,” Percy said. ”Would you kindly ask them to put into the dispatches a request that we may be sent out again, by the first balloon that comes? We have no fancy, either of us, for eating rats and cats; which I suppose is what it will come to, before it is over.”

”I will see to it, boys,” the colonel said, smiling; ”but really, I should advise your staying there. You have done all--and more than--your share of work.”

The boys shook their heads; and it was arranged that, if they got in, they should come out again in a balloon.

The next morning, the boys were up at half-past four and, at half-past five, were at the Prefecture. Colonel Tempe sent in his name to the minister, and they were at once admitted. Gambetta was at his writing table.

”Good morning, Colonel Tempe,” he said, cordially; and then added, in some surprise, ”who are these men you have with you, and where are your young Englishmen? I hope they will not be late.”

”These are they,” the colonel said, smiling.

”They are who?” Gambetta said, puzzled. ”I do not understand you, colonel.”

”These are the Lieutenants Barclay,” Colonel Tempe said.

The minister looked from the colonel to the two boys, and back again.

”Do you mean to say--?” he began, incredulously.

”Yes, sir, it is us,” Ralph said; ”and I do not think there is much fear of our being recognized.”

”So little that I do not recognize you, now.

”There is no mistake, colonel?” he said, gravely; ”no mystification? You give me your pledge, and a.s.surance, that these are the officers who have volunteered for this duty? Remember, any mistake might be fatal.”

”These are certainly the Barclays, sir. I give you my word.”

”It is a marvelous disguise,” Gambetta said, his doubts now laid at rest; ”and does them immense credit.

”There are the dispatches, gentlemen. They are done up in these two quills, and sealed. They are of the utmost importance; and must not, at any hazard, fall into the hands of the enemy. The dispatches are in duplicate so that, in case one only gets in, the purpose is served.

”This is a circular letter, to all maires and other French authorities, ordering them to give you every possible a.s.sistance.

”This is a special note, to the Maire of Melun.

”Here is a letter to General Aurelles, at Orleans. If he is not in when you arrive, the chief of his staff will do. He is ordered to send a staff officer with you, through the lines, as far as you require him. The horses are in the train.

”Now, goodbye. I wish you a very good future, for you are gallant young fellows.”

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