abandoned that phase of our subject.

The valet-de-chambre whom my fellow-lodgers had brought with them from
Paris contributed nothing to the inn's knowledge of his masters, I
learned. This struck me not only as odd, but unique, for French servants
tell one another everything, and more--very much more. "But this is a
silent man," said Amedee impressively. "Oh! very silent! He shakes his
head wisely, yet he will not open his mouth. However, that may be
because"--and now the explanation came--"because he was engaged only
last week and knows nothing. Also, he is but temporary; he returns to
Paris soon and Glouglou is to serve them."

I ascertained that although "that other monsieur" had gray hair, he was
by no means a person of great age; indeed, Glouglou, who had seen him
oftener than any other of the staff, maintained that he was quite young.
Amedee's own opportunities for observation had been limited. Every
afternoon the two gentlemen went for a walk; but they always came down
from the gallery so quickly, he declared, and, leaving the inn by a rear
entrance, plunged so hastily into the nearest by-path leading to the
forest, that he caught little more than glimpses of them. They returned
after an hour or so, entering the inn with the same appearance of haste
to be out of sight, the professor always talking, "with the manner of an
orator, but in English." Nevertheless, Amedee remarked, it was certain
that Professor Keredec's friend was neither an American nor an
Englishman. "Why is it certain?" I asked.

"Monsieur, he drinks nothing but water, he does not smoke, and Glouglou
says he speaks very pure French."

"Glouglou is an authority who resolves the difficulty. 'That other