Hearing nothing further, Dossonville finally resumed his walk, but at the next corner some one muffled in a cloak fell into his arms.
The man, with a dozen pardons, sought to make a detour, but Dossonville's long arm, shooting out, grasped his shoulder.
"Not so fast, citoyen. There's a little formality we must not forget. Name and errand?"
The stranger, perceiving him neither to be surrounded with pistols and knives nor to have a very threatening air, answered:
"Citoyen Clappier, Section des Bonnes Nouvelles. I am hurrying to seek a doctor."
"Show your card of citizenship, and pass."
"The devil!" the man exclaimed, after a show of searching in his pockets. "I forgot to take it out of the coat I wore this morning."
"Really, citoyen, you are in bad luck," Dossonville replied. "I shall be forced to accompany you." He summoned Sans-Chagrin and Le Corbeau out of the shadow, and gave him into their charge, with a "Lead the way!" Then he dropped behind, murmuring, "Provided one does not enter that doctor's by the window."
They journeyed silently for several minutes, until suddenly the three ahead halted, and Sans-Chagrin, returning, said:
"The citoyen wishes to speak with you."