Atlantida

"'We thank you, Colonel,' one of the majors finally replied, 'for your

courtesy in consulting us. All my comrades, I imagine, know to what

terrible rumors you refer. If I may venture to say so, in Paris at the

Army Geographical Service, where I was before coming here, most of the

officers of the highest standing had an opinion on this unfortunate

matter which they avoided stating, but which cast no glory upon

Captain de Saint-Avit.' "'I was at Bammako, at the time of the Morhange-Saint-Avit mission,'

said a Captain. 'The opinion of the officers there, I am sorry to say,

differed very little from what the Major describes. But I must add

that they all admitted that they had nothing but suspicions to go on.

And suspicions are certainly not enough considering the atrocity of

the affair.' "'They are quite enough, gentlemen,' replied the Colonel, 'to account

for our hesitation. It is not a question of passing judgment; but no

man can sit at our table as a matter of right. It is a privilege based

on fraternal esteem. The only question is whether it is your decision

to accord it to Saint-Avit.' "So saying, he looked at the officers, as if he were taking a roll

call. One after another they shook their heads.

"'I see that we agree,' he said. 'But our task is unfortunately not

yet over. The City of Naples will be in port tomorrow morning. The

launch which meets the passengers leaves at eight o'clock. It will be

necessary, gentlemen, for one of you to go aboard. Captain de

Saint-Avit might be expecting to come to us. We certainly have no

intention of inflicting upon him the humiliation of refusing him, if

he presented himself in expectation of the customary reception. He

must be prevented from coming. It will be wisest to make him

understand that it is best for him to stay aboard.' "The Colonel looked at the officers again. They could not but agree. But how uncomfortable each one looked!

"'I cannot hope to find a volunteer among you for this kind of

mission, so I am compelled to appoint some one. Captain Grandjean,

Captain de Saint-Avit is also a Captain. It is fitting that it be an

officer of his own rank who carries him our message. Besides, you are

the latest comer here. Therefore it is to you that I entrust this

painful interview. I do not need to suggest that you conduct it as

diplomatically as possible.' "Captain Grandjean bowed, while a sigh of relief escaped from all the

others. As long as the Colonel stayed in the room Grandjean remained

apart, without speaking. It was only after the chief had departed that

he let fall the words: "'There are some things that ought to count a

good deal for promotion.' "The next day at luncheon everyone was impatient for his return.