He did not know whom to assail in a place where they avoided his glance and all contact with him.

On the nearest table there was an illustrated newspaper, and he took possession of it, turning its leaves.

It was printed in German, but he pretended to read it with great interest.
He had seated himself at the side, leaving free the hip on which his revolver was resting.

His hand, feigning distraction, passed near the opening of his pocket, ready to take up arms in case of attack.

In a little while he regretted this excessively swaggering posture.