"All right. Anyhow, you see I had nothing to do with it." He paused, and then in a businesslike tone: "Well, I'd better get to work. I want that prisoner out in the courtyard."
"Can't have him."
"No? Here's the judge's order."
But the other shook his head. "I've had later orders, just got 'em over the telephone, saying you're not to see the prisoner."
"What?"
"That's right, and he wants to see you."
"He? Who?"
"The judge. They've called me down, now it's your turn."
Coquenil took off his glasses and rubbed them carefully. Then, without more discussion, he left the prison and drove directly to the Palais de Justice; he was perplexed and indignant, and vaguely anxious. What did this mean? What could it mean?
As he approached the lower arm of the river where it enfolds the old island city, he saw Bobet sauntering along the quay and drew up to speak to him.