Some minutes later he returned to Touquet, crying,—
"Here's another one who is coming along this way; but this one is alone, I am sure of that."
"Is it our beauty?"
"No, it is not she."
"You idiot! what did you come and tell me for?"
"So that you should not make a mistake; I thought it was my duty to avert that."
"Chaudoreille, do me the pleasure of remaining still. I know very well how to recognize her whom I came to meet without your help; although I haven't yet seen her, I am certain that I shan't make a mistake; but, hang it! if she doesn't come to this meeting, I shall send you to drink the water under the bridge, to teach you to do your errands better."
Chaudoreille had not heard the barber's last words; he was already far away, but he returned precipitately, looking scared.
"What is it now?" said Touquet.
"A patrol of the watch, which I can see coming, and which is going to pass by us."