May actually staggered when he stepped out on the pavement.  His bitter disappointment could be read in his countenance, which disclosed the anguish of a drowning man who sees the frail plank which was his only hope of salvation snatched from his grasp by the ruthless waves.

What could have taken place?  This Lecoq must know without a moment’s delay.  He gave a peculiar whistle, to warn his companion that he momentarily abandoned the pursuit of him; and having received a similar signal in response, he entered the shop.  The owner was still standing behind the counter.  Lecoq wasted no time in parleying.  He merely showed his card to acquaint the man with his profession, and curtly asked:  “What did the fellow want who was just in here?”

The shopkeeper seemed embarrassed.  “It’s a long story,” he stammered.

“Then tell it!” said Lecoq, surprised at the man’s hesitation.

“Oh, it’s very simple.  About twelve days ago a man entered my shop with a bundle under his arm.  He claimed to be a countryman of mine.”

“Are you an Alsatian?”

“Yes, sir.  Well, I went with this man to the wine-shop at the corner, where he ordered a bottle of good wine; and while we drank together, he asked me if I would consent to keep the package he had with him until one of his cousins came to claim it.  To prevent any mistake, this cousin was to say certain words—­a countersign, as it were.  I refused, shortly and decidedly, for the very month before I had got into trouble and had been charged with receiving stolen goods, all by obliging a person in this way.  Well, you never saw a man so vexed and so surprised.  What made me all the more determined in my refusal was that he offered me a good round sum in payment for my trouble.  This only increased my suspicion, and I persisted in my refusal.”

The shopkeeper paused to take breath; but Lecoq was on fire with impatience.  “And what then?” he insisted.

“Well, he paid for the wine and went away.  I had forgotten all about the matter until that man came in here just now, and after asking me if I hadn’t a package for him, which had been left by one of his cousins, began to say some peculiar words—­the countersign, no doubt.  When I replied that I had nothing at all he turned as white as his shirt; and I thought he was going to faint.  All my suspicions came back to me.  So when he afterward proposed that I should buy his clothes, I told him I couldn’t think of it.”

All this was plain enough to Lecoq.  “And this cousin who was here a fortnight ago, what was he like?” asked he.

“He was a tall, rather corpulent man, with a ruddy complexion, and white whiskers.  Ah!  I should recognize him in an instant!”

“The accomplice!” exclaimed Lecoq.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing that would interest you.  Thank you.  I am in a hurry.  You will see me again; good morning.”