SCENE III
To these, the Brigadier and Gendarmes
Brigadier. Let no man leave the house.
Macaire (aside). Bitten.
Bertrand (aside). Sold again.
Dumont. Welcome, old friend!
Brigadier. It is not the friend that comes; it is the Brigadier. Summon your guests: I must investigate their passports. I am in pursuit of a notorious malefactor, Robert Macaire.
Dumont. But I was led to believe that both Macaire and his accomplice had been arrested and condemned.
Brigadier. They were, but they have once more escaped for the moment, and justice is indefatigable. (He sits at table R.) Dumont, a bottle of white wine.
Macaire (to Dumont). My excellent friend, I will discharge your commission, and return with all speed. (Going.)