"There's no one living there now, monsieur; it was let furnished to a woman who went away this morning before daybreak."
Dubourg was petrified. He realized that he could not hope to recover his money. He returned slowly and dejectedly to the hotel, and joined Frédéric and Ménard with an expression of utter dismay.
"Well, what about the robbers?" inquired Frédéric.
"Ah! my friend, they have fled."
"I was sure of it."
"But you have entered a complaint with the magistrate, surely, monsieur le baron?"
"I have done all that there was to do, Monsieur Ménard; but I fancy that we may say good-bye to our money."
"In that case, what are we going to do?"
"That is what we must consider.—How much money have you, Monsieur Ménard?"
"Not more than two louis."