'Madame—Madame Pantin!'
'Madame is out; but is there anything I can do for Monsieur?' And the notary appeared below, a dim outline, clad in his dressing-gown, with a woollen cap on his head.
I went down to him and asked:
'Pantin, do you know if Ravaillac was out last night?'
'I would have told Monsieur there and then when he came in from his swim in the Seine. No, for I watched and saw him sleeping in the loft.'
'Are you sure?'
'As I am of being here.'
'Thanks! Madame is out early?'
'She has gone to the Rue Varenne; but, monsieur, be careful of that Ravaillac.'
I nodded my head, and then, raising my voice: 'I dine at the Two Ecus as usual—good day!'