The Stratagem and Other Stories

“I cannot now enter into his history, which you no doubt know in any case. I will only say that it was of such a character that these facts (of so curiously contra- dictory appearance—on the face of it) apply abso- lutely. However the tone of confidence which thrilled in Dodu’s messages, ‘Pluck grapes in Burgundy; press vats in Cognac; ha!’ ‘The souffle with the nuts in it is ready for us by the Seine,’ and the like, showed me that his giant brain had not only grappled with the problem, but solved it to his satisfaction. The plan was perfect; on the night of the eclipse those three guards would be on duty at such and such gates; Dodu would tear his clothes into strips, bind and gag Bertrand, come and release me. Together we should spring on Rolland, take his uniform and rifle, and leave him bound and gagged. We should then dash for the shore, do the same with Monet, and then, dressed in their uniforms, take the boat of an octopus-fisher, row to the harbour, and ask in the name of the governor for the use of his steam yacht to chase an escaped fugitive. We should then steam into the track of ships and set fire to the yacht, so as to be ‘rescued’ and conveyed to England, whence we could arrange with the French Government for rehabilitation. “Such was the simple yet subtle plan of Dodu. Down to the last detail was it perfected—until one fatal day. “The spy, stricken by yellow fever, dropped suddenly dead in the fields before noon ‘Cease work’ had sounded. Instantly, without a moment’s hesitation, Dodu strode across to me and said, at the risk of the lash: ‘The whole plan which I have explained to you in cipher these last four months is a blind. That spy knew all. His lips are sealed in death. I have another plan, the real plan, simpler and surer. I will tell it to you to- morrow.’ The whistle of an approaching engine interrupted this tragic episode of the adventures of Duguesclin.