As he entered the courtyard he whistled softly. At the signal a man sitting on the fallen masonry rose and came to him. The man was Monsieur Hyacinthe.
"Is that you?" he said, as he approached with some caution.
"Yes," said Courtin, "don't be alarmed."
"What news?"
"Good; but this is not the place to tell it."
"Why not?"
"Because it is as dark as a pocket. I almost walked over you before I knew it. A man might be hidden here at our feet and we not be the wiser. Come! the affair is in too good shape just now to risk anything."
"Very good; but where will you find a lonelier place than this?"
"We must find one. If I knew of an open desert in the neighborhood I'd go there and speak low. But, for want of a desert, we'll find some place where we are certain of being alone."
"Go on; I'll follow you."