In this docility he was sensible and even likeable.

But what did he do next?
Instead of taking counsel as to the choice with his old backer and friend, and a man, besides, knowing everybody employed and unemployed on the pavements of the town, this extraordinary Renouard suddenly and almost surreptitiously picked up a fellow--God knows who--and sailed away with him back to Malata in a hurry; a proceeding obviously rash and at the same time not quite straight.

That was the sort of thing.

The secretly unforgiving journalist laughed a little longer and then ceased to shake all over.
"Oh, yes.

About that assistant of yours.