The next morning therefore saw La Touche again in the café at Charenton in conversation with the waiter.
‘The point as to which day the gentleman was here has become important,’ he explained, ‘and I shall hand you another twenty francs if you can settle it.’
The man was evidently anxious to earn the money. He thought earnestly for some time, but at last had to confess he could recall nothing fixing the date.
‘Do you remember what he had to eat? Would that help you?’ asked the detective.
The waiter shook his head after consideration.
‘Or any little matter of a clean cloth or napkin or anything of that kind? No? Or any other person who was in at the same time, or to whom you may have spoken on the subject?’
Again the man shook his head. Then suddenly a look of satisfaction passed over his face.
‘But yes, monsieur,’ he said eagerly, ‘I remember now. What you have just asked me brings it to my mind. M. Pascot lunched also when the gentleman was here, and he noticed him and asked me if I knew who he was. M. Pascot may be able to tell us.’
‘Who is M. Pascot?’
‘The apothecary, monsieur. From a dozen doors up the street. He comes here sometimes when Madame goes shopping to Paris. If you like, monsieur, I will go with you to him and we can inquire.’