"On what charge?"

"It is not our place to explain. We act by authority: that is enough.
Will you go with us quietly, or must we use force?"

"Of what am I accused?"

"You will hear in good time. Isidore, where is your rope?"

His colleague produced the long thin cord that serves instead of
handcuffs in France.

"Must we tie you?"

"No, no! I am ready to submit, but under protest. You shall answer for
this outrage. I am an Englishman. I will appeal to our ambassador."

"With all my heart! We are not afraid. But enough said. Come."

The three--police-agents and their prisoner--went out together. On the
threshold of No. 43 the officer named Jules said--

"Your key, monsieur--the key of your room. I will take charge of it.
Monsieur the Judge will no doubt make a searching perquisition, and no
one must enter it till then."

The door was locked, M. Jules put the key in his pocket, and the party
went down to the cab, which was driven off rapidly to the depôt of the
Préfecture.