I had not long to wait, for in a short time I noticed one who was evidently a well-to-do citizen hurrying along, with a persuading staff in his right hand, and the muffled figure of a lady clinging on to his left arm. I could make out nothing of her; but the man himself was short and stout of figure, and I ran to the conclusion that he must be a cheery soul, for, as far as I could see by the light of the street lamps, he looked like one who enjoyed a good meal and a can to follow, and approaching, I addressed him-- 'Pardon, monsieur, but I have lost my way.' I had hardly spoken so much, when, loosening his arm from the lady, the little man jumped back a yard, and began flourishing his stick. I saw that in the next moment he would shout for the watch, and stopped him with a quick-- 'Monsieur, I have been attacked and robbed--there,' and I pointed in the direction whence I had come. 'I have escaped but with my life, and I pray you tell me how to find my way to the Rue de Bourdonnais.' The lady, who had at first retreated with a little cry of alarm behind her companion, here stepped forward with a soft-- 'Poor man! are you much hurt?' 'Not in the least, mademoiselle, thank you,' and I unconsciously moved a step forward. 'Stand back!' called out the little man, dabbing his stick at me, 'and say Madame, sir--the lady is my wife.' 'Pardon my error, sir, but----' The lady, however, interposed-- 'Be still. Mangel. So you wish to find the Rue de Bourdonnais, sir?' 'He had better find the watch,' interrupted Maitre Mangel; 'they have gone that way, towards the Porte St. Martin.' 'This, then, is the----' 'Rue St. Martin.' 'A hundred thanks, mademoiselle.' 'Madame--_Madame_ Mangel, monsieur.' 'Pardon, I now know where I am, and have only to follow my nose to get to where I want. I thank you once more, and good night.' 'Good night, monsieur,' answered Madame; but Maitre Mangel, who was evidently of a jealous complexion, tucked his wife under his arm and hurried her off, muttering something under his breath.