Hearing nothing further, Dossonville finally resumed his walk, but at the next corner some one muffled in a cloak fell into his arms. The man, with a dozen pardons, sought to make a detour, but Dossonville's long arm, shooting out, grasped his shoulder. "Not so fast, citoyen. There's a little formality we must not forget. Name and errand?" The stranger, perceiving him neither to be surrounded with pistols and knives nor to have a very threatening air, answered: "Citoyen Clappier, Section des Bonnes Nouvelles. I am hurrying to seek a doctor." "Show your card of citizenship, and pass." "The devil!" the man exclaimed, after a show of searching in his pockets. "I forgot to take it out of the coat I wore this morning." "Really, citoyen, you are in bad luck," Dossonville replied. "I shall be forced to accompany you." He summoned Sans-Chagrin and Le Corbeau out of the shadow, and gave him into their charge, with a "Lead the way!" Then he dropped behind, murmuring, "Provided one does not enter that doctor's by the window." They journeyed silently for several minutes, until suddenly the three ahead halted, and Sans-Chagrin, returning, said: "The citoyen wishes to speak with you." Dossonville, who had expected this dénouement, had the prisoner brought to him. "Well, citoyen, what is it?" "Citoyen, I ask a moment's private conversation." "With me?" "With you alone." "It is important, then?" "Very." "Good!" Perceiving that their walk had brought them near to their starting-point, Dossonville led the way to the Café de Valmy, passing through which, he entered a small room, giving orders to his body-guard to remain without. Then shutting the door, he straddled a chair, rested his arms on the back, and with a smile awaited the opening. "Citoyen Dossonville--" the man began. "What! You know me?" "For a long time." "Indeed!" Dossonville exclaimed, astounded and nonplussed by this knowledge. "Citoyen Dossonville," the man continued, "I ask of you one promise. If I convince you of my patriotism and my citizenship, will you guard my secret? I ask you as a man of honor." Dossonville inclined his head. "Agreed. I promise to keep the secret, on condition that you convince me of your patriotism--that is, by showing me your true card of citizenship." "That will not be necessary." Throwing back his cloak, he removed a wig and mustaches, discovering to Dossonville the features of Sanson, the executioner. "Do you recognize me?" At this sinister figure, Dossonville recoiled with a movement beyond his control, but recovering, he exclaimed: "Pardon." "It is nothing," Sanson answered flatly. "I am used to it." "Pardon. What surprises me is this," said Dossonville, hiding his own emotion. "That you who have been imprisoned for suspected Royalist interests should expose yourself to suspicion for any cause." "Have you not guessed my errand?" Sanson said, with a frown.