But even at that great distance they could see something so fanatical, so unquestionable in his figure, that they knew it was the Secretary himself.

"I am sorry to cut short a cultured discussion," said the Colonel, "but can you lend me your motor-car now, in two minutes ?" "I have a suspicion that you are all mad," said Dr.Renard, smiling sociably; "but God forbid that madness should in any way interrupt friendship.

Let us go round to the garage." Dr.Renard was a mild man with monstrous wealth; his rooms were like the Musee de Cluny, and he had three motor-cars.

These, however, he seemed to use very sparingly, having the simple tastes of the French middle class, and when his impatient friends came to examine them, it took them some time to assure themselves that one of them even could be made to work.

This with some difficulty they brought round into the street before the Doctor's house.