He hastened to a projecting part of the bridge a few paces from the spot where they had conferred; there he raised himself on the parapet that he might see which way Blondel turned at the end of the bridge.

If he entered the town no more could be made of it: but if he turned right-handed and by the rampart to the Corraterie, Louis' mind was made up to risk something.

He would follow to the Royaumes' house.

The magistrate could hardly blame him for going to his own lodging! It was a busy hour, and, cold as it was, a fair number of people were passing between the island and the upper town.

For a moment, look as he might, he could not discern the Syndic's spare figure; and he was beginning to think that he had missed him when he saw something that in a twinkling turned his thoughts.