In the private editorial office of the principal newspaper in a great colonial city two men were talking.

They were both young.

The stouter of the two, fair, and with more of an urban look about him, was the editor and part-owner of the important newspaper.
The other's name was Renouard.

That he was exercised in his mind about something was evident on his fine bronzed face.

He was a lean, lounging, active man.