19. Then the man went away. Once again was heard afar the muffled roll of the drum and the faint voice of the crier.
20. Then they began to talk over the incident, estimating the chances Master Houlbrèque had of recovering or of not recovering his pocketbook. Meanwhile the meal went on.
21. They were finishing coffee when the corporal of gendarmes appeared in the doorway.
22. He asked:
Closer approach of crisis.
23. “Master Hauchecorne of Bréauté—is he here?”
24. Master Hauchecorne, who was seated at the other end of the table, replied:
25. “That’s me.”
26. And the corporal replied:
27. “Master Hauchecorne, will you have the goodness to go with me to the mayor’s office. Monsieur le maire would like to speak with you.”