It was time for M. Seneschal to join them again: he returned, accompanied by Capt. Parenteau.
“Well, gentlemen,” he asked, “what have you resolved?”
“We are going to Boiscoran,” replied the magistrate.
“What! Immediately?”
“Yes: I wish to find M. de Boiscoran in bed. I am so anxious about it, that I shall do without my clerk.”
Capt. Parenteau bowed, and said,—
“Your clerk is here, sir: he was but just inquiring for you.” Thereupon he called out as loud as he could,—
“Mechinet, Mechinet!”
A small gray-haired man, jovial and cheerful, came running up, and at once proceeded to tell at full length how a neighbor had told him what had happened, and how the magistrate had left town, whereupon he, also, had started on foot, and come after him as fast as he could.
“Now will you go to Boiscoran?” asked the mayor.