Soon Armand distinguished a number of large objects that encumbered the landing, and as he and Chauvelin left the sharp light of the guard-room 'behind them, he could see that the large objects were pieces of furniture of every shape and size; a wooden bedstead--dismantled--leaned against the wall, a black horsehair sofa blocked the way to the tower stairs, and there were numberless chairs and several tables piled one on the top of the other.
In the midst of this litter a stout, flabby-cheeked man stood, apparently giving directions as to its removal to persons at present unseen.
"Hola, Papa Simon!" exclaimed Chauvelin jovially; "moving out to-day?
What ?" "Yes, thank the Lord!--if there be a Lord!" retorted the other curtly.
"Is that you, citizen Chauvelin ?" "In person, citizen.

I did not know you were leaving quite so soon.

Is citizen Heron anywhere about ?" "Just left," replied Simon.

"He had a last look at Capet just before my wife locked the brat up in the inner room.

Now he's gone back to his lodgings." A man carrying a chest, empty of its drawers, on his back now came stumbling down the tower staircase.