The sun was well down toward the horizon when our funny little train puffed officiously into Rouen the following day. The long European twilight had dissolved into darkness, and oblique shadows slanted from the trees in the nascent moonlight as our hired moteur entered the château park.
moteur“Good evening, Monsieur Bixby,” de Grandin greeted as we followed the servant into the great hallway. “I have taken the liberty to bring a compatriot of yours, Dr. Trowbridge, with me to aid in my researches.” He shot me a meaning glance as he hurried on. “Your kindness in permitting me the facilities of the château library is greatly appreciated, I do assure you.”
Bixby, a big, full-fleshed man with ruddy face and drooping moustache, smiled amiably. “Oh, that’s all right, Monsoor,” he answered. “Th
