Lissac thought he misunderstood him.
"I confess that I don't quite understand you," he began, with a rather significant smile.
"I am a Commissioner of Police," the other replied, "and I am ordered to arrest you."
He suddenly exposed his insignia like the end of a sash, and by a very polite gesture, with an amiable and engaging manner, pointed to the way out by the side of the archway of the hôtel.
"I have two of my men yonder, monsieur, but you will not place me under the necessity of—"
"What is this, monsieur?" said Lissac. "I frankly confess that I understand nothing of this enigma. I hope you will explain it to me."
All this was said in a conversational tone, mezzo voce, and accompanied with smiles. No one could have guessed what these two men were saying to each other. Only, Guy was very pale and his somewhat haughty glance around him seemed to indicate that he was seeking some support or witness.
He uttered a slight exclamation of satisfaction on perceiving the journalist to whom he had just before spoken a few words before a little canvas by Meissonier.
"My dear Brévans," he said in a loud voice, "here is an unpublished item for your journal. This gentleman has laid his hand on my collar."
With a sly look he indicated the Commissioner of Police, who did not budge.