"I have not yet introduced myself to you, gentlemen," he began, courteous as yet. "Government Assessor Hubert, of L----."
The persons addressed could have been no novices in the art of conspiracy, for they did not even change colour at the mention of his official quality. The elder man rose, bowed in silence, but with much politeness, and then sat down again. The younger merely inclined his head slightly, and said in a careless tone, "Very happy, I'm sure.
"Might I in my turn inquire the names of these gentlemen?" continued Hubert.
"What makes you ask?" said the younger stranger, indifferently.
"I wish to know them."
"I am sorry for that. We don't wish to tell."
The Assessor nodded as much as to say: "So I thought." "I am connected with the police department of L----," he said, significantly.
"Very agreeable position," said the stranger, his eyes just glancing at the official with an indifference positively offensive, and then wandering off and fixing themselves on the young girl, who had retreated to the window.
For a moment Hubert was disconcerted. They must indeed be case-hardened conspirators! Even the mention of the L---- police could extract from them no sign of alarm, though by this time some inkling of their fate must have dawned upon them. But there were means of overcoming their obduracy. The interrogation proceeded.
"About two hours ago you passed me in a post-chaise?"