Next day he returned to the Faubourg St. Martin and was met with the
same answer. The patron was still absent.
Hyde was beginning to despair; but he resolved to wait one more day,
intending, if still unsuccessful, to surrender the business to other
hands.
But on the third day he was admitted.
"The patron will see you," said the old woman, as she led him into a
small but well-lighted room communicating with another, into which she
passed, locking the door behind her.
They kept him waiting ten minutes or more, during which he had an
uncomfortable feeling he was being watched, although he could not tell
exactly how or from where.
There was really a small eye-hole in the wall opposite, of the kind
called in French a "Judas," and such as is used in prisons to observe
the inmates of the cells. Through this, Hyde had been subjected to a
long and patient examination.
It was apparently satisfactory; for presently the inner door was
unlocked, and the old woman returned, followed by a man whom we have
seen before.
It was Mr. Hobson in person; Ledantec really, as Hyde immediately saw,
in spite of the smug, smooth exterior, the British-cut whiskers, and
the unmistakable British garb.
"Here is the patron," said the old woman; "tell him what you have to
say."
Hyde, addressing himself to Mr.
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