"This evening—ten o'clock. Be on your guard."
Resolved not to go to the Allée des Veuves before that moment, nor to lose sight of the Schoolmaster for an instant, he yet trembled at the idea of losing the only opportunity that might ever be afforded him of obtaining that secret which he was so excessively anxious to possess. Although he was powerful and well armed, yet he had to deal with an unscrupulous assassin, capable of any and every thing. Not desiring, however, that his thoughts should be detected, he seated himself at the table with the Schoolmaster, and, by way of seeming at his ease, called for a glass of something. Bras Rouge having exchanged a few words, in a low tone, with the brigand, looked at Rodolph with an air in which curiosity, distrust, and contempt were mingled.
"It is my advice, young man," said the Schoolmaster, "that if my wife informs us that the persons we wish to see are within, we had better make our call about eight o'clock."
"That will be two hours too soon," said Rodolph; "and that will spoil all."
"Do you think so?"
"I am sure of it."
"Bah! amongst friends there should be no ceremony."
"I know them well, and I tell you that we must not think of going before ten o'clock."
"Are you out of your senses, young man?"
"I give you my opinion, and devil fetch me if I stir from here before ten o'clock."