And now, Monsieur Pailleton ?" Once more the man was bewildered.

This time, however, it was bewilderment of a different sort.

He thought for a moment steadfastly.
Who was there who could have betrayed him?
"What is the nature of this document, monsieur, which you expect to find amongst my belongings ?" he demanded.
"An authorised offer of peace from Germany to the French people," the ambassador answered slowly.

"It is the second attempt which has been made.

The first was torn into fragments before the face of the person who had the effrontery to present it.