And all eyes were turned on the gray-haired gentleman in spectacles, an olive-green frock-coat and a maroon-colored neckerchief, who was walking about, with his bent back, on a pair of shaky legs.
At times, one of the waiters accompanying Sergeant Gourel on his search would come running up.
"Any news?" asked M. Lenormand.
"No, sir, we've found nothing."
The manager made two attempts to induce him to relax his orders regarding the doors. The situation was becoming intolerable. The office was filled with loudly-protesting visitors, who had business outside, or who had arranged to leave Paris.
"I don't care a hang!" said M. Lenormand again.
"But I know them all."
"I congratulate you."
"You are exceeding your powers."
"I know."