Samson made no reply.
"You have a good business here?"
"Very good, sir."
"You know, of course, that it is my duty to denounce you as an escaped criminal?"
"Yes, I know that, sir."
"Crochard tells me that he will answer for you—in other words, he guarantees that you will not run away. Do you understand that?"
"Do not fear," said Samson, huskily. "Monsieur will always find me here when he requires me."
Lépine looked at him for a moment, then got abruptly to his feet.
"Very well," he said; "I shall do nothing for the present," and he left the café.
It was nearly eight o'clock, and, feeling the need of dinner, Lépine made his way back to his hotel; but his hunger was destined to go unsatisfied, for, as he stepped through the door, Pigot touched him on the arm.