Chapter 26

Mastering his excitement, Monsieur Nicolas Gassire refrained from crying “Thief!” But, a minute later, when he caught sight of his head clerk coming towards the house from the direction of the neighboring boulevard, he beckoned furiously to him. “Hurry up, Sarlonat!” he cried, leaning out of the window. “Come in, lock the street door and don’t let any one out. I’ve been robbed!” As soon as his commands had been obeyed, he hastened downstairs, panting and distraught. “Tell me, Sarlonat, have you seen anybody?” “Not …