"Well, I forgot to ask M. Morhange, at the beginning, the date and
place of his birth. After that, I had no chance. I did not see him
again. So I am forced to turn to you. Perhaps you can tell me?"
"I can," I said very calmly.
He took a large white card from a box which contained several and
dipped his pen.
"Number 54 ... Captain?"
"Captain Jean-Marie-François Morhange."
While I dictated, one hand resting on the table, I noticed on my cuff
a stain, a little stain, reddish brown.
"Morhange," repeated M. Le Mesge, finishing the lettering of my
friend's name. "Born at...?"
"Villefranche."
"Villefranche, Rhône. What date?"
"The fourteenth of October, 1859."
"The fourteenth of October, 1859. Good. Died at Ahaggar, the fifth of
January, 1897.... There, that is done. A thousand thanks, sir, for
your kindness."
"You are welcome."