journalists!"

Monsieur Maleine replied in the same tone, "I understand!" and then
tried to prevent Rouletabille from entering the same compartment
with the examining magistrate.

"Excuse me, gentlemen,--this compartment is reserved."

"I am a journalist, Monsieur, engaged on the 'Epoque,'" said my
young friend with a great show of gesture and politeness, "and I
have a word or two to say to Monsieur de Marquet."

"Monsieur is very much engaged with the inquiry he has in hand."

"Ah! his inquiry, pray believe me, is absolutely a matter of
indifference to me. I am no scavenger of odds and ends," he went
on, with infinite contempt in his lower lip, "I am a theatrical
reporter; and this evening I shall have to give a little account
of the play at the Scala."

"Get in, sir, please," said the Registrar.

Rouletabille was already in the compartment. I went in after him
and seated myself by his side. The Registrar followed and closed
the carriage door.

Monsieur de Marquet looked at him.

"Ah, sir," Rouletabille began, "You must not be angry with Monsieur
de Maleine. It is not with Monsieur de Marquet that I desire to