“When do you close up inside here?” 354

“Tomorrow being Sunday, the terrace closes now, monsieur; but the café remains open all night,” explained the waiter with a noticeable German accent.

“Thank you.” And, to Sengoun: “I’d certainly like to go upstairs. I’d like to see what it looks like up there—take a glance around.”

“Very well, let us go up––”

“We ought to have some excuse––”

“We’ll think of several on the way,” rising with alacrity, but Neeland pulled him back.

“Wait a moment! It would only mean a fight––”

“All fights,” explained Sengoun seriously, “are agreeable—some more so. So if you are ready, dear comrade––”

“But a row will do us no good––”

“Pardon, dear friend, I have been in serious need of one for an hour or two––”