"Even for those who take no interest in one side or the other?" asked Barrington.
"Most assuredly, for such men are likely to be on private business, and private business smacks of secrecy, and those who govern dislike all secrets except their own."
"I am not afraid. It is a habit rather than a virtue."
"I saw your fearlessness. It impressed me," the man answered, earnestly. "I saw also that others had noted you as well. It would perhaps be wise to remember that besides hunting for the woman who has come back to Paris, they are hunting for the man who helped her so successfully. Perhaps some of the men who were at the barriers this morning may remember him."
"What more probable?" said Barrington. "It may be that this man was not such a friend to the woman as we have imagined. He may have had sinister designs in bringing her into Paris."
The man put down his glass rather sharply. The idea evidently produced some effect upon him.
"I cannot believe that," he said.
"I do not like to think so," Barrington returned.
For a few moments they looked squarely into each other's faces. Then the man laid his hand upon the table, palm uppermost.
"Ah! It is certain we are kindred spirits, monsieur. We may have our own secrets, our interests may perhaps have points of antagonism, but we are both fearless. You are a man after my own heart. Will you take my hand?"