no doubt in reply to some secret signal, and the detective with a
short nod in acknowledgment had evidently removed his embargo.

A cab was called, and Sir Charles, having put the Countess in, was
turning to give the driver his instructions, when a fresh
complication arose.

Some one coming round the corner had caught a glimpse of the lady
disappearing into the fiacre, and cried out from afar.

"Stay! Stop! I want to speak to that lady; detain her." It was the
sharp voice of little M. Floçon, whom most of those present,
certainly the Countess and Sir Charles, immediately recognized.

"No, no, no--don't let them keep me--I cannot wait now," she
whispered in earnest, urgent appeal. It was not lost on her loyal
and devoted friend.

"Go on!" he shouted to the cabman, with all the peremptory
insistence of one trained to give words of command. "Forward! As
fast as you can drive. I'll pay you double fare. Tell him where to
go, Sabine. I'll follow--in less than no time."

The fiacre rattled off at top speed, and the General turned to
confront M. Floçon.

The little detective was white to the lips with rage and
disappointment; but he also was a man of promptitude, and before
falling foul of this pestilent Englishman, who had again marred
his plans, he shouted to Galipaud--