"And I will return your compliment, rely on it."
"Oh, this is all stuff and nonsense!" said the Chouette. "I think with fourline, to-night or never."
Rodolph was in a state of extreme anxiety; if he allowed this opportunity to escape of laying hands on the Schoolmaster, he might never again light on him. The ruffian would ever afterwards be on his guard, or if recognised, apprehended, and taken back to the Bagne, would carry with him that secret which Rodolph had so much interest in discovering. Confiding in his address and courage, and trusting to chance, he said to the Schoolmaster:
"Agreed, then; and we will not part company before evening."
"Then I'm your man. It is now two o'clock; it is some distance from here to the Allée des Veuves; it is raining again in torrents; let us pay the reckoning and take a coach."
"If we have a coach, I should like first to smoke a cigar."
"Why not?" said the Schoolmaster. "Finette does not mind the smell of tobacco."
"Well, then, I'll go and fetch some cigars," said Rodolph, rising.
"Pray don't give yourself that trouble," said the Schoolmaster, stopping him; "Finette will go."
Rodolph resumed his seat. The Schoolmaster had penetrated his design. The Chouette went out.