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The amount seemed to make an impression on the Prefect's hearers. He saw the major and Don Luis Perenna exchange a glance and asked: "You knew Cosmo Mornington, did you not?" "Yes, Monsieur le Préfet," replied Comte d'Astrignac. "He was in Morocco when Perenna and I were fighting there." "Just so," said M. Desmalions. "Cosmo Mornington had begun to travel about the world.
But, as regards the private in the Foreign Legion and his stay in Morocco, they took their revenge and let themselves go freely. Major d'Astrignac had spoken. Other officers, other comrades of Perenna's, related what they had seen. The reports and daily orders concerning him were published.
Later on, before long, you will be able to unmask him." The Prefect of Police continued to walk round the table. Major d'Astrignac kept his eyes fixed on Perenna, whose coolness amazed him. The solicitor and the secretary of Embassy seemed greatly excited. In fact nothing could be more sensational than the thought that filled all their minds.
At the second encounter, the editor of the Echo de France fell, wounded in the chest. "Oh, that's too bad of you, Perenna!" growled the Comte d'Astrignac. "You promised me " "And I've kept my promise, Major." The doctors were examining the injured man. Presently one of them rose and said: "It's nothing. Three weeks' rest, at most. Only a third of an inch more, and he would have been done for."
I should wish this verification to be made as regards the personality by Major Comte d'Astrignac, who was his commanding officer in Morocco, and who unfortunately had to retire prematurely from the army; and as regards birth by a member of the Peruvian Legation, as Don Luis Perenna, though retaining his Spanish nationality, was born in Peru.
It is necessary, therefore, that all of you should know what there is to know of the personality of the legatee. Consequently, I propose to continue ..." "In that case, Monsieur le Préfet," said Perenna, rising and making for the door, "you will allow me ..." "Right about turn! Halt! ... Eyes front!" commanded Major d'Astrignac in a jesting tone.
It was our legation that informed the son, three years ago, of his father's death. I produce a copy of the letter sent to Morocco." "And I have the original letter here, among the documents forwarded by Don Luis Perenna to the Prefect of Police. Do you, Major, recognize Private Perenna, who fought under your orders in the Foreign Legion?" "I recognize him," said Comte d'Astrignac.
I hope that the American Ambassador did not trouble to come in person?" "No, Monsieur le Préfet." "Have you their cards?" "Yes." The Prefect of Police took the five visiting cards which his secretary handed him and read: "Mr. Archibald Bright, First Secretary United States Embassy; Maître Lepertuis, Solicitor; Juan Caceres, Attaché to the Peruvian Legation; Major Comte d'Astrignac, retired."
You will say that this is a confession. But why not? In the evening, when a few privileged neighbours meet at his house the justice of the peace, the notary, Major Comte d'Astrignac, who has also gone to live at Saint-Maclou Don Luis is not afraid to speak of Arsène Lupin. "I used to see a great deal of him," he says. "He was not a bad man.
M. Desmalions, who knew all three of them, chatted to them until he stepped forward to receive Major Comte d'Astrignac, the hero of La Chouïa, who had been forced into premature retirement by his glorious wounds. The Prefect was complimenting him warmly on his gallant conduct in Morocco when the door opened once more.
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