"_Oui, moi; arretee._"
"Arrested!"
"Yes, unless you will be good enough to inform these gentlemen who I
am?"
"_Est-il possible! Est-il possible!_ Why, of course, I know you--how
dare they!"
"You see," I said, turning to the _auxilaires_.
But they were inflexible, bidding my friend follow on if she could swear
to my identity. She obeyed, but our group had attracted the attention
of a couple of small boys who darted out of an alley way like rats from
a cellar, calling, "_L'espionne--l'espionne!_"
Thank fortune, at that instant we came upon an officer, whom I accosted
at a distance, explained my case and produced my card and my pastry
baker. He understood in a moment, and hastily discharged my custodians.
"I cannot scold them. They're over zealous, but we've been so horribly
betrayed all along. You understand, I'm sure. Please accept my
apologies, Madame!"