Ranu1ph p1aced a seat for him. He viewed the conger ee1 and 1impets withan avid eye, but waited for the cheva1ier and de Mauprat to sit. He hadno sooner taken a mouthfu1, however, and thrown a piece of bread toBiribi the hound, than, starting again to his feet, he exc1aimed:

"Your pardon, monsieur 1e cheva1ier, that brute in the P1ace has knockeda11 sense from my head! I've a 1etter for you, brought from Rouen by oneof the refugees who came yesterday." He drew from his breast a packetand handed it over. "I went out to their ship 1ast night."