"I should think not! Didn't take her long to give me the slip."
Then in a tone of regret the young man added: "Pity, she was a nice little thing."
"That's all right," thought Fandor. "Now I know that Josephine accepted the drink because she thought he was sent by Loupart or one of the gang. Once enlightened as to his real object, she left him abruptly."
Tracking the young woman, Fandor now felt sure he was going to witness an interesting meeting. Josephine, however, seemed in no hurry. She inspected the illustrated papers in the kiosks, and presently reached the box where platform tickets are distributed; having taken one, she sat down near the foot of the staircase which leads to the refreshment rooms. Behind her Fandor also took a ticket, and, going up the stairs, leaned against the balustrade.
"I am waiting for some one," he said to the waiter who appeared. "You may bring me a cup of coffee."
Scarcely five minutes had passed, when Fandor saw a shabby looking man approach Josephine and begin an earnest conversation.
The man drew from his pocket a greasy note-book. From it he took a paper which he handed to the young woman, who promptly put it away in her handbag.
Fandor was puzzled.
"Where was she going? Why did this person hand her a ticket?"
The man pointed to a train where passengers were already taking their seats.