The square, dominated by the imposing classical building of the Exchange, was so crowded that he was compelled almost to fight his way through to the steps of the magnificent Ionic porch.

A word would have sufficed to have opened a way for him at once.

But guile moved him to keep silent.

He would come upon that waiting multitude as a thunderclap, precisely as yesterday he had come upon the mob at Rennes.

He would lose nothing of the surprise effect of his entrance.
The precincts of that house of commerce were jealously kept by a line of ushers armed with staves, a guard as hurriedly assembled by the merchants as it was evidently necessary.