There was a general laugh at this sally, and none laughed louder than Mange, who had a taste for coarse jokes and sharp retorts.
"So!" said Waldmann, after the merriment had subsided. Then he perceived Mange's companion for the first time. He examined him closely and suspiciously. Albert did not shrink from his scrutiny, but the ex-detective deemed it prudent to set matters right at the start by a formal introduction of his employer; he, therefore, motioned to Albert to follow him and walked up to the German, offering him his hand, which the latter shook cordially.
The Captain now stood beside Waldmann in front of the counter and Mange presented him without delay.
"Monsieur Waldmann," said he, "permit me to make you acquainted with my friend Fouquier, from Dijon, a bon zigue."
"Monsieur Fouquier," said the German, taking Albert's outstretched hand, "I am glad to know you, especially as you come so well recommended."
Mange bowed in acknowledgment of this little tribute to himself.
Morcerf replied that the pleasure was mutual.
Waldmann's suspicions seemed to be allayed.
"Take something," he said. "Here, Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel, join us in drinking the health of Monsieur Fouquier from Dijon!"