"Why not?"
"I . . . I don't know. . . . I seemed to hear such a funny sound as if . . ." he paused a moment searching for the words that would best render his impression of what he had heard. Finding none apparently, he reiterated:
"It is a very funny sound."
"Perhaps milor was asleep and snoring," suggested the practical Achille.
"No, no," protested Durand very energetically.
"Or ill . . ."
"Ah yes! . . . perhaps . . ." stammered the little man, "perhaps milor is ill."
"Then I'll to him at once."
And before M. Durand could prevent him—which undoubtedly he would have done—Achille had gone back to the study door and loudly knocked thereat.
At first there was no answer. M. Achille knocked again, and yet again, until a voice from within suddenly said: