and
unlocked the door. A tall man, wrapped in a blue cloak, and wearing
a cocked hat covered with oilskin, stood before me, accompanied by a
sergeant of my troop.

"This is the sous-lieutenant, sir," said the sergeant, touching his cap.

"That will do," replied the other; "you may leave us now." Then turning
to me he added, "May I have the favor of a few minutes' conversation
with you, Mr. Burke? I am Monsieur Gisquet, chef de police of the
department."

A trembling ran through me at the words, and I stammered out something
scarce audible in reply. Monsieur Gisquet followed me as I led the
way into my room, which already had been deserted by De Beauvais; and
casting a quick glance around, he leisurely took off his hat and cloak
and drew a chair towards the table.

"Are we alone, sir?" said he, in a measured tone of voice, while his eye
fell with a peculiar meaning on a chair which stood opposite to mine, on
the opposite side of the stove.

"I had a friend with me when you knocked," I muttered, in a broken and
uncertain accent; "but perhaps--"

Before I could finish my sentence the door of the cabinet slowly
opened, and De Beauvais appeared, but so metamorphosed I could scarcely
recognize him; for, short as the interval was, he had put on my old
uniform of the Polytechnique, which, from our similarity in height,
fitted him perfectly.

"All safe, Tom," said he, stealing out, with an easy smile on his
countenance. "Par Saint Denis! I thought it was old Legrange himself
come to look for me. Ah, Monsieur, how d' ye do? You have given me a
rare fright tonight. I came to spend the day with my friend here, and,
as ill luck would have it, have outstayed my time. The _ecole_ closes at
nine, so that I 'm in for a week's arrest at least."

"A cool confession this, sir, to a minister of police!" said Gisquet,
sternly, while his dark eyes surveyed the speaker from head to foot.

"Not when that minister is called Gisquet," said he, readily, and bowing
courteously as he spoke.

"You know me, then?" said the other, still peering at him with a sharp
look.

"Only from your likeness to a little boy in my company," said he, "Henri
Gisquet. A fine little fellow he is, and one of the cleverest in the
school."

"You are right, sir; he is my son," said the minister, as a pleased
smile passed over his swarthy features. "Come, I think I must get you
safe through your dilemma. Take this; the officer of the night will be
satisfied