"No matter. They are all of them safe enough, and if they get out, I'll forgive them."
"But they won't forgive you."
"Perhaps not; but ring the bell, Chivey. We'll have some wine after this, and just hand over the cigar box."
The ex-groom gave a tug at the bell-rope and ordered wine.
Then he took up a cigar-box and, giving it a vigorous shake, ejaculated—
"There ain't a blessed smoke in it, guv'nor."
"Well, I'll just put on my hat and stroll up to the shop of Monsieur Cretineau-Joly and order a fresh stock. I must have a few minutes' exercise before it gets dark; shan't be ten minutes."
Herbert left the apartment, while Chivey muttered—
"He's afraid of meeting that Lenoir if he goes out after dark."
And Chivey was quite right.