“Gabriel thought there would be none here but men distinguished,” said Lebas, in some consternation.
“Distinguished by the special attention of the police, some of them,” said Longcluse.
“Hé! that is very true,” said Monsieur Lebas—“very true, I am sure of it. See you that man there, Monsieur? Regard him for a moment. The tall man, who leans with his shoulder to the metal pillar of the gallery. My faith! he has observed my steps and followed me. I thought he was a spy. But my friend he says ‘No, that is a man of bad character, dismissed for bad practices from the police.’ Aha! he has watched me sideways, with the corner of his eye. I will watch him with the corner of mine—ha, ha!”
“It proves, at all events, Lebas, that there are people here other than gentlemen and men of honest lives,” said Longcluse.
“But,” said Lebas, brightening a little, “I have this weapon,” producing a dagger from the same pocket.
“Put it back this instant. Worse and worse, my good friend. Don't you know that just now there is a police activity respecting foreigners, and that two have been arrested only yesterday on no charge but that of having weapons about their persons? I don't know what the devil you had best do.”
“I can return to the Hill of Ludgate—eh?”
“Pity to lose the game; they won't let you back again,” said Longcluse.
“What shall I do?” said Lebas, keeping his hand now in his pocket on his treasure.
Longcluse rubbed the tip of his finger a little over his eyebrow, thinking.