to-day, as I have not an instant to lose," and with these
words Andre hurried off.

Andre's reason for haste was that he had caught a few words addressed by
Verminet to Croisenois--"I shall see Mascarin at four o'clock." And
he determined to loiter about the Rue St. Anne, and watch the Managing
Director when he came out, and so find out who this Mascarin was, who he
was certain was mixed up in the plot. He darted down the Rue de Grammont
like an arrow from a bow, and as the clock in a neighboring belfry
chimed half-past three, he was in the Rue St. Anne. There was a small
wine-shop almost opposite to the office of the Mutual Loan Society,
and there Andre ensconced himself and made a frugal meal, while he was
waiting for Verminet's appearance, and just as he had finished his light
refreshment he saw the man he wanted come out of the office, and crept
cautiously after him like a Red Indian on the trail of his enemy.

CHAPTER XXV.

THE SPY.

As Verminet swaggered down the street he had the air of a successful
man, of a capitalist, in short, and the Managing Director of a highly
lucrative concern. Andre had no difficulty in following his man, though
detective's business was quite new to him, which is no such easy matter,
although every one thinks that he can become one. Andre kept his man in
sight, and was astonished at the numerous acquaintances that Verminet
seemed to have. Occasionally he said to himself, "Perhaps I am mistaken
after all, for fancy is a bad pair of spectacles to see through. This
man may be honest, and I have let my imagination lead me astray."

Meanwhile, Verminet who had reached the Boulevard Poisonniere, assumed
a totally different air, throwing off his old manner as he cast away his
cigar. When he had reached the Rue Montorgueil he turned underneath a
large archway. Verminet had gone into the office of M. B. Mascarin, and
that person simply kept a Servants' Registry Office for domestics of
both sexes. In spite of his surprise, however, he determined to wait
for Verminet to come out; and, not to give himself the air of loitering
about the place, he crossed the road and appeared to be interested in
watching three workmen who were engaged in fixing the revolving shutters
to a new shop window. Luckily for the young painter he had not to wait
a very long while, for in less than a quarter of an hour Verminet came
out, accompanied by two men. The one was tall and thin, and wore a pair
of spectacles