The train was crowded to suffocation, and but for Delapine's foresight our friends could not have obtained seats. As it was, Marcel and Riche were pushed into a compartment already nearly full, much to the disgust and annoyance of the passengers who were arranging their rugs for a comfortable sleep during the night.
"That is not good enough for me," said Riche, "I'll bet you a five-franc piece we will get a compartment all to ourselves."
"Done," said Marcel, "but you are bound to lose it, my boy."
"Not a bit of it, you watch me."
"Guard," Riche shouted as the bell rang and the doors were being shut, "this is a smoking compartment and we greatly object to smoking."
Marcel looked at Riche and gave a low whistle.
"Can't be helped," said the guard, "we're just off."
"Excuse me," said Riche in a commanding voice, "I am Monsieur Faure of the Engineering Department, and I must call your attention to Section XIII. Paragraph 79 of the byelaws of the Administration."
"I don't know your name, sir."