"To-morrow, at No. 22, Rue Meslay, on the second floor."
The following morning, the new associate of Béroli called on Andréas, to make the perfidious proposition to him.
Never doubting his comrade, Andréas accepted the proposal, thinking to make an excellent coup, the more so, as things were going on rather badly in the Rue Pigale.
That very evening, the two Greeks proceeded to the house indicated by Béroli, in the Rue Meslay.
A servant in livery, having admitted them, opened the doors of a drawing-room brilliantly illuminated.
Andréas entered first, without apprehension, but he had no sooner done so, than his companion, following the instructions he had received from Béroli, turned round suddenly, and locked the door.
At the same moment, Béroli, and two athletic-looking men, entered from a door on the opposite side of the room.
"You, doubtless, remember me," exclaimed Béroli, in an austere and determined voice. "You must know what it is that brings me here."
"What do you mean, sir," cried Andréas, feigning the greatest indignation. "First of all, answer me. What sort of ambush is this, into which you have entrapped me? Am I in the midst of thieves, or assassins?"
"Do not speak so loud, sir," replied Béroli, "or you may have reason to regret it. The ambush of which you complain is only a favour to you—a step towards an amicable settlement of the business."