"I am sorry, monsieur; I know not what to do or where to go."
"Nor I," replied Ste. Luce, coldly. "Nor, for that matter, a thousand men in Paris to-day." He had paid a debt, and meant to be rid of a disreputable and dangerous acquaintance. "Better luck to you!" he added.
"May I say to monsieur, who has helped me, that Despard is in Paris, and has seen him?"
The marquis turned. "Why did not you kill him when you had the chance?"
"You forbade me."
"That is true—quite true. Had you done it without asking me, I had been better pleased."
"I had no grudge against him."
"Well, well, thank you, my man; I can look out for myself."
"Will monsieur accept the gratitude of a poor devil of a thief?"
"Oh, that is all right. One word more. It is as well to tell you, my man, how I came to speak to you. When first I observed you, as I fell behind, I saw that terrible old witch with two sticks pointing you out to the fellow with the torn cap; then he followed you."