"We have settled to have a game of chess one of these days, provided I may be free to return to the Café Turc."
"And what prevents you?"
"If the business which you will appoint for me to-day requires my entire time."
"I have no business to appoint for you," answered Desmarest, "but as I am greatly burdened myself at present, you may return to this matter or to any other until Thursday; come to me on that day."
Michel Perrin, not wishing to be troublesome, hastened to salute his chief and to leave the office, but not without being greatly surprised that they paid him so liberally for doing nothing. Nevertheless, feeling certain that ultimately he would be set to work, he laughed as he walked on the quay. "Three more holidays," he said, "and in faith we'll enjoy them!" And he resumed the life of a Parisian cockney.[14]
The following Thursday, after having waited near two hours in the ante-chamber with some men of very sinister aspect, the pastor was admitted to citizen Desmarest, who smiled graciously, saying—
"Well, what news?"
"News!" exclaimed Michel quite astonished.
"Yes; when you come here undoubtedly you must have something to tell me."
"In fact, citizen, as this is Thursday, I have come to know if it is to-day that you desire to commence employing me."