"The devil!" exclaimed the traveller, beginning to take alarm.
"Yes, monsieur, it's just as I tell you," continued the young man at the window; "if it were only not quite so dark you could see them, and perhaps recognize them."
"Oh! I have no need to see them; I know perfectly well who they are. But who told you that I was going to that house, monsieur, and that it is I they are watching for?"
"I guessed it."
"You are a very charming Œdipus; thanks! Ah! they propose to shoot me; how many of them are assembled for that praiseworthy purpose?"
"Four; one of whom seemed the leader."
"He is older than the others, is n't he?"
"Yes, as well as I could judge from here."
"Does he stoop?"