This speaker was known as the double of Jean Marot, only some people could not see the slightest resemblance when the two were together,—Lerouge being taller, darker, more athletic in appearance, and more serious of temper.
"I say, Lerouge, I don't think your crowd of Dreyfusardes got much pleasure out of us to-day," put in Villeroy, dryly.
"We got some of it out of the police, it is true," said Lerouge. Henri Lerouge was half anarchist, socialist, and an extremist generally, of whom French politics presents a formidable contingent.
Armand Massard thoughtfully helped himself to a pipe of tobacco from the grim tabatière on the table. Politics was barred at Le Petit Rouge, and Lerouge was known to be rather irritable. On the subject of the police these young fellows were unanimous. The agents were considered fair game in the Quartier Latin.
"I've had enough of them for this once, George," yawned Massard.
"And they've had enough of us probably," suggested Villeroy.
"It is lively,—too much,—this continued dodging the police——"
"Together with one's creditors——"
A loud double rap startled them.
"Mordieu!" exclaimed that young man, leaping to his feet, "that's one now! Don't open!"