Two or three people now came, all running. De Kock jumped up.

"Something is happening," he said, "and with a vengeance too I fancy.
Hark!"

The people now came fast and furious through the square, increasing
in numbers every moment, but through the bustle and hurry and
clatter of tongues, we could hear a woman's voice screaming in
evident distress. Mingled with it was another sound which may have
mystified the general crowd, but which De Kock and I could easily
place.

"It is the parrot!" I exclaimed, as we started to run.

"You have your wish, _mon cher_, is it not so? But take it not so
fast; we will be there in time. _Ciel_! What a row!"

The steps leading up to the restaurant were thronged with people,
including two or three policemen. The dining-room was ablaze with
light, and still full of visitors, most of whom, however, were
moving about in a state of agitation. The upper windows were also
lighted and wide open. The screaming suddenly ceased, but not the
parrot.

"For goodness sake don't say I told you!" It went on, louder than
ever, over and over again.

"Damn the bird!" exclaimed De Kock. "Policeman excuse me, but I am
rather at home here. Let me go up, will you?"