“’Gabriel Rennepont, priest of the foreign missions.

“’All the members of this family possess, or should possess, a bronze medal bearing the following inscriptions: 

Victim
of
L. C. D. J.
Pray for me! 
Paris
February the 13th, 1682.

At Paris,
Rue Saint Francois, No. 3,
In a century and a half
you will be. 
February the 13th, 1832. 
Pray For Me!

“’These words and dates show that all of them have a great interest to be at Paris on the 13th of February, 1832; and that, not by proxy, but in person, whether they are minors, married or single.

“’But other persons have an immense interest that none of the descendants of this family be at Paris on the 13th February, except Gabriel Rennepont, priest of the foreign missions.

“’At all hazards, therefore, Gabriel must be the only person present at the appointment made with the descendants of this family, a century and a half ago.

“’To prevent the other six persons from reaching Paris on the said day, or to render their presence of no effect, much has been already done; but much remains to be done to ensure the success of this affair, which is considered as the most vital and most important of the age, on account of its probable results.’”

“’Tis but too true,” observed Rodin’s master, interrupting him, and shaking his head pensively.  “And, moreover, that the consequences of success are incalculable, and there is no forseeing what may follow failure.  In a word, it almost involves a question of existence or non existence during several years.  To succeed, therefore, ’all possible means must be employed.  Nothing must be shunned,’ except, however, that appearances must be skillfully maintained.”

“I have written it,” said Rodin, having added the words his master had just dictated, who then said,

“Continue.”

Rodin read on: 

“’To forward or secure the affair in question, it is necessary to give some private and secret particulars respecting the seven persons who represent this family.

“’The truth of these particulars may be relied on.  In case of need they might be completed in the most minute degree for contradictory information having been given, very lengthened evidence has been obtained.  The order in which the names of the persons stand will be observed, and events that have happened up to the present time will only be mentioned.

“’Note, No.  I.

“’Rose and Blanche Simon, twin sisters, about fifteen years of age; very pretty, so much alike, one might be taken for the other; mild and timid disposition, but capable of enthusiasm.  Brought up in Siberia by their mother, a woman of strong mind and deistical sentiments, they are wholly ignorant of our holy religion.

“’General Simon, separated from his wife before they were born, is not aware, even now, that he has two daughters.