"Whoever it is on," put in young Massard, "it is a better joke than you fellows imagine." And Massard went off into a paroxysm of laughter by himself.
"Que diable?"
"Oh! oh! oh!" roared Massard.
He had discovered the missing sheet and blanket and the grisette's hat. His companions regarded him attentively. But the young man merely went into fresh convulsions of merriment.
Lerouge suddenly raised his hand for silence. There was a low, half-timid rap at the door. It created the impression of some woman of the street.
"Come in!" cried Villeroy.
"Let her in," said Lerouge.
By which time the door had been opened and a tall, thin gentleman entered and immediately closed the door behind him.
"In-Inspector Loup!" ejaculated Lerouge.
"What! more police?" inquired Villeroy, sarcastically. "We are too much honored to-night."