The gentleman at once affected to be examining the street and to be in search of a dwelling of which the address was written on a card that he took out of his pocket, trying to read it by the moonlight; he then went straight up to the extortioner's door and gave three knocks, which echoed within the house as if this were the portal of a cellar. A small light became visible, and an eye was applied to a small and strongly barred wicket.
"Who is there?"
"A friend, sent by Oosterlinck of Bruges."
"What do you want?"
"To be let in."
"Your name?"
"Philippe Goulenoire."
"Have you letters of introduction?"
"Here they are."
"Put them in through the box."