The Flirt suggested, with a spiteful smile.
"Go ahead, my girl, they won't be far away; go and ask them what they want."
"Very well," cried Josephine, "I will."
And the young girl emptied her glass to give her courage.
"And if you don't come back, we'll set your room to rights," cried the Flirt after her. "Good luck, try and not sleep in the jug."
Josephine rushed downstairs, and then, after a moment's hesitation, turned and went down the Rue de Chartres.
At first she noticed nothing unusual or suspicious. The faces of those she met were mostly familiar to her. But suddenly her heart stopped beating. Two men accosted her simultaneously, one on her right, the other on her left.
Her neighbour on the right asked very softly:
"Are you Josephine Ramot?"
"Yes."