“Never mind! you will have the reward.”
“Well, wait!” And the constable went upstairs to get his pistol.
He came down with his blue coat on. He was a very fat man, and was out of breath when he came to the little milliner’s.
“But who shall I ask for?” he inquired of Madame Laroque.
“Just search the house, and I will see that he does not escape by the back door.” She had forgotten that there was no back door.
“Do you want a bonnet?” asked Mademoiselle Viau. She was on excellent terms with the constable.
“No!” said he, sternly. “You have a man in this house, and I have come to find him.”
“Indeed?” said mademoiselle, very stiffly. “Will you be pleased to proceed?”
“Yes,” said he, taking out his pistol and cocking it. “I will first look downstairs.” He did so, and only frightened a cat from under the stove. No one knew that Mademoiselle Viau had a cat.
“Lead the way upstairs!” commanded the constable.