Soon one of the pursuers returned. He was led into the presence of his
mistress.
"Have they found him?"
"No, Madame. He disappeared as completely as if the ground had
swallowed him. All that can be added is that he wore a grey cloak."
"A grey cloak, did you say?" Her hand flew to her throat and her eyes
grew wild again. "A grey cloak?"
"Yes Madame; a grey cloak with a square velvet collar."
"Ah!" said the captain, with a singular smile. He glanced obliquely at
madame. But madame lurched forward into the arms of one of her
waiting-women. She had fainted.