But the drug-store was closed. Suvaroff climbed wearily up the stairs of the Hôtel des Alpes Maritimes. Minetti was sitting on the steps near the third landing.
"I was preparing to go home," said the hunchback. "What kept you so late?"
"I went around another way," answered Suvaroff. "I thought I might get something from a druggist friend to help me sleep."
They stood before the door of Suvaroff's room. Suvaroff opened the door and they went in.
"Sleeping-powders are dangerous," observed Minetti, throwing his hat upon the bed.
"So I fancied," replied Suvaroff, dryly.
"Where do you spend your nights?" Minetti demanded suddenly.
Suvaroff sat down. "Watching shadows in a wine-shop."
"Ah—a puppet show!"
"No, not exactly. I will explain.... No; come to think of it, there is no explanation. But it is extremely amusing. To-night, for instance, I nearly laughed.... Have you ever watched shadows upon a wall? Really, they are diverting beyond belief."