"But you say you tried to be unfaithful to Sans-Cravate?"
"That's all right! that's my business, my secret; it don't concern you! Are you my fathers and mothers, to cross-examine me like this?"
"Ha! ha! beware, messieurs, our ally is on the point of losing her temper."
"Here, Bastringuette," said Albert, tossing a five-franc piece on the girl's tray; "this is for keeping a sharp lookout for Tobie, and we promise you twice as much more if you send him to the rendezvous as we have agreed."
"All right, I'll try to earn it. Adieu, my little loves!"
Bastringuette walked away; and the young men separated, promising to meet in front of Tortoni's at the same hour the next day.
Albert did not fail to be at the rendezvous at the appointed time, and found Mouillot there.
"Célestin and Balivan will be here directly," said the latter; "there's nothing new; Bastringuette hasn't left any word at the café. Have you had any better luck?"
"No, I haven't succeeded in discovering the slightest trace of the quarry."
"Perhaps we shall be more fortunate to-morrow."