"M. de Pincornay!" cried Ernanton. "Oh, fie; what a bad trade you have taken up."
"I said silence," cried the voice of the chief; "and take this man to the depot."
"But, M. de St. Maline, it is our companion, Ernanton de Carmainges."
"Ernanton here!" cried St. Maline, angrily; "what is he doing here?"
"Good-evening, gentlemen," said Carmainges; "I did not, I confess, expect to find so much good company."
"Diable!" growled St. Maline; "this is unforeseen."
"By me also, I assure you," said Ernanton, laughing.
"It is embarrassing; what were you doing here?"
"If I asked you that question, would you answer?"
"No."