I knew that he would not fail to keep his appointment, and I was perfectly confident of being able to carry out the programme punctually; I had, however, taken the precaution of obtaining a week's leave of absence, in case any unforeseen accident should delay my return.

Conscious of having done all I could to guard against misunderstanding or mishap, I got into the train in a tolerably peaceful frame of mind.

The box was in my inner pocket, the letter in a portemonnaie.

I could feel them both with my hand.

I was not in uniform, but I took my revolver.