M. Labori.--“And are there other reprehensible points?”

General de Boisdeffre.--“Yes; the attention of the council of inquiry

was called to them, and, the doings of that body being absolutely

secret, I can make no explanation concerning them.”

M. Labori.--“Does General de Boisdeffre know that Colonel Picquart was

sent on a mission in November, 1896, and can he tell us why he was so

sent?”

General de Boisdeffre.--“He was sent upon an order of the minister of

war.”