Nothing had the girls (or the simpleminded 11 country Doctor who sped them) known of the dangers or pitfalls of the city. Vile gallantry or viler underworld was looking for just such prey....
CHAPTER III
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE COACH HOUSE
The Normandy-Paris stage swung into the city as the shades of evening were falling and deposited our heroines at journey’s end in a little square beyond the Pont Neuf where the coach house was situated. As they alighted, cries of “Sedan! Sedan chair!” were heard. Brawling chairmen “mixed it” with pummeling fists and kicking legs to be in the front lines for the passengers’ custom.
’Twas a terrifying scene from which they were glad to escape to a side bench whence they watched the homeward hurrying throngs and looked vainly for Monsieur Martin. As in the country, Henriette tried to pass the time of day with divers and sundry folk, but it was no use. They gave her queer looks or hurried on, as if stone deaf.
“They simply pay no attention to you here!” she complained to Louise, “but never mind! Cousin Martin will come soon, and take us to his home.”
Presently the city lamplighter was lighting the street lantern above them; he went his way and the Place was deserted.