CHAPTER VIII. ESSARÈS BEY'S WORK
This time Captain Belval seemed to relax to some extent. He vaguely perceived the consideration that compelled the authorities to wage the battle prudently.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, I was instructed to investigate this matter two years ago; and my enquiries proved that really remarkable exports of gold were being effected from France. But, I confess, it is only since my conversation with Mme. Essarès that I have seen where the leakage came from and who it was that set on foot, all over France, down to the least important market-towns, the formidable organization through which the indispensable metal was made to leave the country."
"Then Mme. Essarès knew?"
"No, but she suspected a great deal; and last night, before you arrived, she overheard som
