"Why, where have you been?" asked Rosalie in surprise.
"I got up early so as to take a walk," Perrine replied.
"You did? I went to look for you."
"Oh, thank you; but never do that, for I get up very early," said Perrine.
Upon arriving at the factory the crowd went into the various workshops under the watchful eye of a tall thin man who stood near the iron gates, his hand in the pocket of his coat, his straw hat stuck on the back of his head. His sharp eyes scanned everyone who passed.
"That's Skinny," informed Rosalie in a whisper.
Perrine did not need to be told this. She seemed to know at once that this was the foreman Talouel.
"Do I come in with you?" asked Perrine.
"Sure!"
This was a decisive moment for little Perrine, but she controlled her nervousness and drew herself up to her full height. Why should they not take her if they took everyone?