His face announced that; and Louis, hot all over, despite the keen wind and frosty air, augured the worst.

Cowards however have always one course open.

The way was clear behind him.

He could cross the island to the St.Gervais bank, and if he were nimble he might give his pursuer the slip in the maze of small streets beside the water.

It was odd if the lapse of a few hours did not cool young Mercier's wrath, and restore him to a frame of mind in which he might be brought to hear reason.
No sooner planned than done.