"Oui, moi; arretee."
"Arrested!"
"Yes, unless you will be good enough to inform these gentlemen who I am?"
"Est-il possible! Est-il possible! Why, of course, I know you—how dare they!"
"You see," I said, turning to the auxilaires.
But they were inflexible, bidding my friend follow on if she could swear to my identity. She obeyed, but our group had attracted the attention of a couple of small boys who darted out of an alley way like rats from a cellar, calling, "L'espionne—l'espionne!"
Thank fortune, at that instant we came upon an officer, whom I accosted at a distance, explained my case and produced my card and my pastry baker. He understood in a moment, and hastily discharged my custodians.
"I cannot scold them. They're over zealous, but we've been so horribly betrayed all along. You understand, I'm sure. Please accept my apologies, Madame!"
I bowed and he departed. Then I turned to my friend.
"You've heard the news, I suppose, Madame?"