After the unknown man had lost sight of the riders he continued his way to Nantes. At the door of the Point du Jour he stopped, looked about him as if in search of some one, and saw a man reading a letter by the light of a lantern. He went up to the man, who, at the sound of his steps, looked round.
"Ah, it's you!" said Courtin. "Faith, you've just missed getting here too soon; a minute earlier and you would have found yourself in company you wouldn't have liked."
"Who were those two young people who nearly knocked me over on the bridge?"
"The very ones I mean."
"Well, what's the news,--good, or bad?"
"Both; but more good than bad."
"Is it to be to-night?"
"No; the affair is postponed."
"You mean failed, blunderer!"
Courtin smiled.