"While I am keeping you from your supper. But just one question; it cannot hurt you to answer. Will the scheme go on?"
"The scheme? What scheme?" I asked, in amazement
"You are a good actor," said he a trifle crossly. "Perhaps you will tell me if Maubranne has returned to town."
"Maubranne is at Vançey," I answered in still greater astonishment.
"Then you will have to do the work yourself, which will please us better. Maubranne would have spoiled everything at the last minute. But there, I will leave you till to-morrow—unless you will be out."
"Out?" I exclaimed. "Yes, I shall be out all day and every day."
"Till the mine is laid! Well, I must tear myself away. Don't be too risky, for without you the whole thing will tumble about our ears like a house of cards."
I felt very thankful to be relieved of my unknown friend's company, for my head was in a whirl, and I wished to be alone for an hour. Pushing open the outer door and entering a narrow, ill-lit passage, I almost fell into the arms of a short, stout, red-faced man, who leered at me most horribly.
"Are you the landlord?" I asked.
"Yes," he answered, making a profound bow.