and a glass in the other, was chaffing her.

"See here, Beurre-Sans-Sel," he said, with a well-counterfeited air of
intense admiration, "you are looking like a real beauty to-night. I will
wager anything you expect a lover. I never saw you put on such style
before. I declare you far outshine the demoiselles of the public balls!"

"Oh! Monsieur Waldmann, how you talk!" returned the girl, with an
affected simper and an unsuccessful attempt to blush.

Just then the German looked around and caught sight of Mange, who was
looking his ugliest. The spirit of mischief was strong upon him and he
instantly cried out:

"I knew it; I knew you were expecting a lover and here he is promptly on
time! Come now own up, my little Beurre-Sans-Sel, did you not put on all
your pretty fixings for Mange?"

"For that ugly old gorilla!" exclaimed the girl, unceremoniously and
disdainfully. "I can get better-looking lovers than either a monkey or a
Swab, I'd have you to know, Monsieur Waldmann!"

There was a general laugh at this sally, and none laughed louder than
Mange, who had a taste for coarse jokes and sharp retorts.

"So!" said Waldmann, after the merriment had subsided. Then he perceived
Mange's companion for the first time. He examined him closely and
suspiciously. Albert did not shrink from his scrutiny, but the
ex-detective deemed it prudent to set matters right at the start by a
formal introduction of his employer; he, therefore, motioned to Albert
to follow him and walked up to the German, offering him his hand, which
the latter shook cordially.

The Captain now stood beside Waldmann in front of the counter and Mange
presented him without delay.

"Monsieur Waldmann," said he, "permit me to make you acquainted with my
friend Fouquier, from Dijon, a bon zigue."

"Monsieur Fouquier," said the German, taking Albert's outstretched hand,
"I am glad to know you, especially as you come so well recommended."

Mange bowed in acknowledgment of this little tribute to himself.

Morcerf replied that the pleasure was mutual.

Waldmann's suspicions seemed to be allayed.

"Take something," he said. "Here, Siebecker and Bouche-de-Miel, join us
in drinking the health of Monsieur Fouquier from Dijon!"

Albert was instantly on the alert and Mange watched him attentively as
the two individuals named emerged from a corner of the room and lounged
up to the counter. There was another presentation, a double one this
time, Waldmann doing the