"But that isn't the same thing; you don't know the tenants."
"That's of no consequence. Go; my reputation is at stake. Here's forty sous for your trouble; I pay well, you see."
"All right, I'll go; I hope I'll find one on the stand."
"A cab I must have, dead or alive! do you hear?"
The concierge decided, albeit regretfully, to desert his post, and Chamoureau stepped inside.
"Luckily the porte cochère is open," he said, "I shall not have to pull the string!"
VIII
A FALSE CONCIERGE
Chamoureau concealed himself in the farthest corner of the concierge's room, in an old armchair that might have served the purpose of a couch. He placed himself with his back to the window through which visitors addressed the functionary whom he represented, and, in order that he might be observed less easily, he removed his plumed cap and replaced it with an old cap that he found on a table.
So long as people simply passed and repassed the lodge, the false concierge did not put himself out; he did not turn his head, but contented himself with cursing Freluchon, who had put him in that embarrassing position.
But soon someone opened the window, a man's head appeared, and a loud voice inquired: