"You have, of course, examined the exterior of the car, dear colleague?"
now said the Judge.

"Assuredly, once, but I will do it again. Still, the outside is quite
smooth, there is no foot-board. Only an acrobat could succeed in thus
escaping, and then only at the peril of his life. But a woman--oh, no!
it is too absurd."

"With help she might, I think, get up on to the roof," quickly remarked
Sir Charles. "I have looked out of the window of my compartment. It
would be nothing for a man, nor much for a woman if assisted."

"That we will see for ourselves," said the detective, ungraciously.

"The sooner the better," added the Judge, and the whole party rose from
their chairs, intending to go straight to the car, when the policeman on
guard appeared at the door, followed close by an English military
officer in uniform, whom he was trying to keep back, but with no great
success. It was Colonel Papillon of the Embassy.

"Halloa, Jack! you are a good chap," cried the General, quickly going
forward to shake hands. "I was sure you would come."

"Come, sir! Of course I came. I was just going to an official function,
as you see, but his Excellency insisted, my horse was at the door, and
here I am."

All this was in English, but the attaché turned now to the officials,
and, with many apologies for his intrusion, suggested that they should
allow his friend, the General, to return with him to the Embassy when