They stopped presently before a door, and Lannes rang a bell.

The door was opened cautiously in a few moments, and a great head surmounted by thick, gray hair was thrust out.

A powerful neck and a pair of immense shoulders followed the head.

Sharp eyes under heavy lashes peered forth, but in an instant, when the man saw who was before him, he threw open the door and said: "Welcome, Monsieur." John had no doubt that this was the Antoine Picard of whom Lannes had spoken, and he knew at the first glance that he beheld a real man.

Many people have the idea that all Frenchmen are little, but John knew better.
Antoine Picard was a giant, much over six feet, and with the limbs and chest of a piano-mover.