"On the ground?' asked the commissaire; 'on the sidewalk?'
"I answered in the affirmative.
"'It is very extraordinary,' he then said with a suspicious look at me; 'the sidewalk is not the usual place to leave a watch.'
"I remarked smilingly:
"'If I may call your attention—'
"Dryly the commissaire said:
"'That will do! You may omit all remarks. I know my business.'
"I stopped talking and smiling.
"He resumed: 'In the first place, who are you?'
"I gave my name.