As I passed the lodge of the concierge I saw that there was some one within, and I opened the door to find an old man looking at me. “Good-day, Monsieur,” he said politely. “Is there anything you wish?” “Are you the concierge?” I asked. “Since this morning only, Monsieur,” he answered. “Can you tell me what has become of your predecessor?” “I did not know him, Monsieur.” I looked at the man sharply, but he returned my gaze without winking. “How, then, did you obtain the place?” I asked. “The concierge of the next house, who is a friend of mine, told me there was a vacancy here, so I came and was accepted.” I looked at him again. If he was lying, he was doing it admirably and with a perfect composure. “Very well, my friend,” I said at last. “I trust you will do your duty better than your predecessor. Yesterday my room, which is on the third floor, was entered and some property carried away. You will oblige me by keeping an eye upon my room,” and I laid a crown upon the table, for I reflected that I could lose nothing by gaining the friendship of this man, who might, perhaps, be able to assist me. “Thank you, Monsieur,” he said, reddening with pleasure at sight of the coin. “Monsieur may rest assured that his room will not again be disturbed.” “I trust so, at least,” I answered, and turned into the street. I knew that eight o’clock could not be far distant, so, without waiting for breakfast, I hastened towards the Palais Royal and was soon in M. d’Argenson’s ante-chamber. It was, if anything, more crowded than on the previous day, and a circumstance which astonished me was that so few of those present wore uniforms. Indeed, the crowd which eddied ceaselessly back and forth seemed to be drawn from every rank of life, from the highest to the lowest, and as I glanced over this motley assemblage I gained an idea, vague and meagre no doubt, of the extent of the great system of espionage which the Comte d’Argenson had established, and which penetrated into every corner of Parisian life, like an enormous and insatiable vine, continually throwing out creepers and seeking a fresh foothold in some spot not already occupied. I paused beside a man who seemed to be the gardien, and who attentively scanned all who entered. “If one wishes to see M. le Comte d’Argenson, Monsieur,” I inquired, “how does one proceed?” “You will find him very busy, Monsieur,” he answered, “unless your business is of importance.” “I have an appointment with him at eight o’clock,” I said dryly. “Ah, in that case there will be no trouble. M. d’Argenson allows nothing to interfere with his appointments,” and the man smiled. “Give your name to that gentleman whom you see standing by the closed door yonder, Monsieur.” “Many thanks,” I said, and did as he directed. In a few moments the man signalled me to follow him, and led the way into M. d’Argenson’s office.