"The chief benefit conferred upon society and humanity by a large proportion of our population," he would have cynically observed to any caviller, "is by dying and becoming useful 'subjects.'"
He considered himself fortunate, however, in having a close cab, out of deference to those who might differ with him. They crossed the Pont de Solferino, where a momentary halt gave a couple of alert agents a chance to scrutinize him a little more sharply than was comfortable, and turned down Boulevard St. Germain.
At the École de Médecine Jean stopped the cab, as if struck with a new idea.
"Cocher!"
"Yes, monsieur?"
"Drive to 12 Rue Antoine Dubois."
"How then!"
"I said—drive—to—No. 12—Rue Antoine Dubois! You know where that is?"
"Oh, yes, monsieur,—only—er—it is right over there opposite the——"
The man was so excited he found difficulty in expressing himself.