"As for the fourth, no one sees him, not even his adjutants, assistants, and those he employs. It is not surprising, therefore, that you did not perceive him." "No. Who are all these men?" Marius asked. The Inspector continued: "Besides, it is not their hour." He fell into silence, and presently added,--"50-52. I know the shanty. It is impossible for us to hide ourselves in the interior without the actors perceiving us, and then they would escape by putting off the farce. They are so modest, and frightened at an audience. That won't do, for I want to hear them sing and make them dance." This soliloquy ended, he turned to Marius, and asked, as he looked at him searchingly,-- "Would you be afraid?" "Of what?" Marius asked. "Of these men." "No more than I am of you," Marius answered roughly, for he was beginning to notice that this policeman had not yet said, "sir." The Inspector looked at Marius more intently still, and continued, with a sort of sententious solemnity,-- "You speak like a brave man and like an honest man. Courage does not fear crime, nor honesty the authorities." Marius interrupted him,-- "That is all very well, but what do you intend doing?" The Inspector restricted himself to saying,-- "The lodgers in that house have latch-keys to let themselves in at night. You have one?" "Yes," said Marius. "Have you it about you?" "Yes." "Give it to me," the Inspector said. Marius took the key out of his waistcoat pocket, handed it to the Inspector, and added,-- "If you take my advice you will bring a strong force." The Inspector gave Marius such a glance as Voltaire would have given a Provincial Academician who proposed a rhyme to him; then he thrust both hands into his immense coat-pockets and produced two small steel pistols, of the sort called "knock-me-downs." He handed them to Marius, saying sharply and quickly,-- "Take these. Go home. Conceal yourself in your room, and let them suppose you out. They are loaded, both with two bullets. You will watch, as you tell me there is a hole in the wall. People will arrive; let them go on a little. When you fancy the matter ripe, and you think it time to stop it, you will fire a pistol, but not too soon. The rest concerns me. A shot in the air, in the ceiling, I don't care where,--but, mind, not too soon. Wait till the commencement of the execution. You are a lawyer, and know what that means." Marius took the pistols and placed them in a side pocket of his coat. "They bulge that way, and attract attention," said the Inspector; "put them in your trousers' pockets." Marius did so. "And now," the Inspector continued, "there is not a moment for any one to lose. What o'clock is it? Half-past two. You said seven?" "Six o'clock," Marius corrected. "I have time," the Inspector added; "but only just time. Do not forget anything I have said to you. A pistol-shot." "All right." Marius replied. And as he pat his hand on the latch to leave the room the Inspector shouted to him,--