"Come outside a minute." [The two go into the corridor and gaze at each other like birds of ill-omen.] Dutocq [whispering].

"Listen.

Now is the time for us to understand each other and push our way.

What would you say to your being made head of the bureau, and I under you ?" Bixiou [shrugging his shoulders].

"Come, come, don't talk nonsense!" Dutocq.