Go and tell Mother Butor to give these poor children their dinner." Repressing further manifestations of rage, Perpignan took Tantaine by the arm and led him into a little side-room, which he dignified by the name of his office.

There was nothing in it but three chairs, a common deal table, and a few shelves containing ledgers.

"You have come on business, I presume," remarked Perpignan.
Tantaine nodded, and the two men seated themselves at the table, gazing keenly into each other's eyes, as though to read the thoughts that moved in the busy brain.
"How did you find out my little establishment down here ?" asked Perpignan.
"By a mere chance," remarked Tantaine carelessly.

"I go about a good deal, and hear many things.

For instance, you have taken every precaution here, and though you are really the proprietor, yet the husband of your cook and housekeeper, Butor, is supposed to be the owner of the house--at least it stands in his name.