"I know it; but see you, Louison, that animal is so stupid."
Divining that despite his careless manner he was fortified against the encounter, she relaxed and said more calmly:
"Really, I didn't expect that you'd escape."
"My dear Louison, it is not so difficult."
"In these days it is."
"A man has as many lives as a cat," he said ironically. "It is the imagination that is lacking."
As though to put this theory to the test, a voice jarred upon the stillness, crying:
"Where is the spy?"
The next instant the cabaret was thrown into turmoil as Javogues, at the head of three or four companions, rushed in.
"Good day, citoyen," Dossonville's cool voice was heard saying above the uproar, "and how goes it with you since we parted last?"