"But I don't wish to incommode you."
"My wife will give you a blanket, and you can lie here."
Ben accepted the invitation, and stretched himself out on a settee.
"I will wake you in time," said Francois. "Be tranquil."
CHAPTER XXIX.
Ben Is Missed.
Meanwhile M. Bourdon slept the sleep of the just—or the unjust—not dreaming of the loss his establishment had sustained. He did not open his eyes till five o'clock.
Usually at that hour Francois was stirring, as he had morning duties to perform. But M. Bourdon did not hear him bustling around as usual. At first this did not strike him, but after awhile he began to wonder why.
"The lazy dog!" he said to himself. "He is indulging himself this morning, and his work will suffer."