"The old fox could come himself if he would but bring a decent supper with him!" I replied, not understanding in the least what the lad meant. "_Ma foi!_" cried he, "I have heard of your bravery, but this is sheer recklessness. And to pretend you have forgotten the inn! I suppose you don't know me?" "Not from Adam," I replied testily. "I have only one acquaintance in Paris, and as for the inn----" but the youngster laughed so heartily that I could not finish the sentence. "_Parbleu!_" he cried, handing me my cloak, "this is a richer farce than mine! 'Tis you who should wear the cap and bells! But come, I will be your guide to the hostelry you have forgotten." "Only to the door then, unless you would wish to drive me mad," at which, laughing again and bidding his companions wait, he led the way down the street, turning near the bottom into a _cul-de-sac_. "There is the inn which you have forgotten so strangely," he said, "but you are playing a dangerous game. There may be a spy in the house." "There may be a dozen for all I care. But I am keeping you from your friends." "While I am keeping you from your supper. But just one question; it cannot hurt you to answer. Will the scheme go on?" "The scheme? What scheme?" I asked, in amazement "You are a good actor," said he a trifle crossly. "Perhaps you will tell me if Maubranne has returned to town." "Maubranne is at Vancey," I answered in still greater astonishment. "Then you will have to do the work yourself, which will please us better. Maubranne would have spoiled everything at the last minute. But there, I will leave you till to-morrow--unless you will be out." "Out?" I exclaimed. "Yes, I shall be out all day and every day." "Till the mine is laid! Well, I must tear myself away. Don't be too risky, for without you the whole thing will tumble about our ears like a house of cards." I felt very thankful to be relieved of my unknown friend's company, for my head was in a whirl, and I wished to be alone for an hour. Pushing open the outer door and entering a narrow, ill-lit passage, I almost fell into the arms of a short, stout, red-faced man, who leered at me most horribly. "Are you the landlord?" I asked. "Yes," he answered, making a profound bow. "Then show me a room where I can eat and sleep, for I am tired out and hungry as a famished hawk." "I grieve, monsieur; I am truly sorry," he replied, bowing in most marvellous fashion for one so stout, "but, unhappily, my poor house is full. In order to make room for my guests I myself have to sleep in the stable. But monsieur will find excellent accommodation higher up the street." "Still, I intend staying here. The fact is, I have come on purpose to see an old friend, a gentleman in the train of the Duke of Orleans." "Will monsieur give his name?" "M. Raoul Beauchamp," I replied; "he comes here frequently."