It was already light, and we passed a great train of market wagons coming in from the country.

Along the Boulevard, into which we turned, was sprinkled a curious medley of wastrels of the night, and men and women on their way to work.

It had been raining a little time before, but as we turned to descend the hill a weak sunshine flickered out from behind the clouds.
"It is later than I thought," I remarked calmly.
"It is half-past five o'clock," answered Louis.
He accompanied me all the way to the hotel.

He asked for no explanation, nor did I volunteer any.

As we drove into the Place Vendome, however, he leaned towards me.
"Monsieur is aware," he said, "that he has run a great risk to-night ?" "Very likely," I answered, "but, Louis, there are some things which one is forced to do, whatever the risk may be.