He took from his pocket a timepiece he had worn for fifty years.

"It is a little gift to my France, which I shall see no more," he added.

"May no time be ill spent that it records for you, monsieur." Detricand laughed in his careless way, but the face, seamed with dissipation, took on a new and better look, as with a hand-grasp of gratitude he put the timepiece in his pocket.
"I'll do my best," he said simply.

"I'll be with de la Rochejaquelein and the army of the Vendee to-morrow night." Then he shook hands with both little gentlemen and moved away towards the Rue des Tres Pigeons.

Presently some one touched his arm.