"When you leave this place I shall forget that you ever came here."
The Nut gave Hilaire his hand.
"My friend was right in telling me that I could count on you. What you have just said is most considerate, and I shall never forget it."
"He taught me to be considerate," sighed Hilaire. "What can I do for you?"
"I must get away from here at the earliest moment without being seen."
"They're waiting for you outside," objected Hilaire, indicating by a movement of his head the street, in which some amount of stir could still be heard.
"Yes," returned the Captain, "I should like to dodge this street when I get away. Would that be possible?"
"Possible, but perhaps unwise. Will you stay here for a moment?"
So saying Hilaire left the shop and entered the dining-room, from which he returned almost at once.
"My proposal is that we should take a stroll on the roofs."