him.

"I have made up my mind," he said, "and, whatever you may resolve,
I mean to go to work at once, and try to obtain the appointment of a
commission."

"It might be prudent," M. Folgat said, "to consider before doing any
thing, to consult with M. Magloire."

"I do not want to consult with Magloire when duty calls."

"You will grant us twenty-four hours, I hope."

Dr. Seignebos frowned till he looked formidable.

"Not an hour," he replied; "and I go from here to M. Daubigeon, the
commonwealth attorney."

Thereupon, taking his hat and cane, he bowed and left, as dissatisfied
as possible, without stopping even to answer M. de Chandore, who asked
him how Count Claudieuse was, who was, according to reports in town,
getting worse and worse.

"Hang the old original!" cried M. de Chandore before the doctor had left
the passage.

Then turning to M. Folgat, he added,--

"I must, however, confess that you received the great news which he
brought rather coldly."