"If you can wait long enough for an answer I will ask the Cardinal," he replied with a laugh.
"It is a pity the Cardinal doesn't keep a school for manners," I exclaimed, and, turning on my heel, walked away.
Here was a pretty beginning to my venture! What should I do now? I had not once given a thought to Belloc's being away, and without him I was completely lost. After wandering about aimlessly for some time I remembered Raoul Beauchamp, and decided to seek news of him at La Boule d'Or. Without knowing it, I had strayed into the very street where the curious shopkeeper lived, and there he stood at his door.
"Monsieur has soon returned," said he.
"To beg a fresh favour. Will you direct me to the Rue de Roi?"
"The Rue de Roi?" he exclaimed in a tone of surprise.
"Yes, I want to find La Boule d'Or."
At that he raised his eyebrows and, lifting his hands, exclaimed, "Monsieur, then, has not received any encouragement from the Cardinal?"
"A fig for the Cardinal," I cried irritably. "I am in need of some supper, and a bed. You don't suppose I want to walk about the streets all night."
"But it seems so strange! First it is the Palais Royal, and then La Boule d'Or. However, it is none of my business. Monsieur knows his own mind. Jacques," and he called to a boy standing just inside the shop, "show monsieur to the Rue de Roi."