He had not been long asleep when the hideous face of Thibout reappeared at the window and watched him. Presently a low whistle was uttered outside, and soon the two ruffians entered the room, and, finding the landlady there as well as Dodd, called for a little glass apiece of absinthe. While drinking it, they cast furtive glances towards Dodd, and waited till she should go about her business, and leave them alone with him.
But the good woman surmised their looks, and knowing the character of the men, poured out a cup of coffee from a great metal reservoir by the fire, and waked Dodd without ceremony: “Voici votre cafe, Monsieur!” making believe he had ordered it.
“Merci, Madame!” replied he, for his wife had taught him a little French.
“One may sleep mal a propos,” muttered the woman in his ear. “My man is at the fair, and there are people here who are not worth any great things.”
Dodd rubbed his eyes and saw those two foul faces at the end of the kitchen: for such it was, though called salle a manger. “Humph!” said he; and instinctively buttoned his coat.
At that Thibout touched Moinard's knee under the table.
Fullalove came in soon after to say he had got two horses, and they would be here in a quarter of an hour.
“Well, but Vespasian? how is he to go?” inquired Dodd.
“Oh, we'll send him on ahead, and then ride and tie.”
“No, no,” said Dodd, “I'll go ahead. That will shake me up. I think I should tumble off a horse; I'm so dead sleepy.”