His head was thrown a little back, his nostrils distended.

He reminded Arnold for a moment of a watch-dog, listening.
"Of course," he muttered, "of course.

Come back as soon as you can and let us know what has happened." Arnold made his way through the reception hall and across the courtyard.

Already the crowd of people was melting away.

A policeman stood on guard at the opposite door, and two more at the entrance of the cafe.