For a moment the baron seemed as if he meant to resent this; but only for a moment. He recognized the tremendous odds against him, and saw that three of the other men had drawn revolvers from their pockets. Instantly he was all suavity again, and, smiling pleasantly, said—
“Of course I shall go with you; but permit me first to have a word in private with Madame la Baronne.”
“No, that cannot be permitted.”
“But surely—” he protested.
“I have spoken,” answered the official. “You may see madame in our presence; not otherwise.”
The baron bowed; then, to Henri, said, “Tell madame to come here, and say that by a stupid mistake I have been arrested.”
The boy took his departure, but not alone. At a sign from the chief, one of the men accompanied him, and when the baron saw this his countenan
