“No, no, you can’t go like this,” said Valenglay, with authority.
“Why not, sir?”
“Well, because we don’t know your name or anything about you.”
“That makes so little difference!”
“In peace-time, perhaps. But, in war-time, it won’t do at all.”
“Surely, monsieur le président, you will make an exception in my case?”
“An exception, indeed? What next?”
“Suppose it’s the reward which I ask, will you refuse me then?”
“It’s the only one which we are obliged to refuse you. However, you won’t ask for it. A good citizen like yourself understands the constraints to which everybody is bound to submit. My dear Masseron, arrange it with this gentleman. At the department in an hour from now. Good-by till then, sir. I shall expect you.”
And, after a very civil bow, he walked away to his car, twirling his stick gaily and escorted by M. Masseron.