When evening came, mindful of his engagement with Michel, he returned to the tavern of the Point du Jour. There he found Michel awaiting him eagerly. As soon as the young man saw him he exclaimed:--
"Ah, Courtin, I am thankful to see you. I have discovered the man who followed us last night."
"Hein! what? what did you say?" asked Courtin, making, in spite of himself, a step backward.
"I have discovered him, I tell you!"
"But the man--who is he?" asked Courtin.
"A man in whom I felt sure I might trust; and you would have trusted him too in my position,--Joseph Picaut."
"Joseph Picaut!" repeated Courtin, feigning astonishment.
"Yes."
"Where did you meet him?"
"At this inn, where he is hostler, or rather, where he is playing the part of hostler."