From time to time the two notables would stop at some calm and tranquil crossway, or at the end of a quiet street, to salute the passers by.
"Good morning, Monsieur the burgomaster," said one.
"Good morning, my friend," responded Van Tricasse.
"Anything new, Monsieur the counsellor?" asked another.
"Nothing new," answered Niklausse.
But by certain agitated motions and questioning looks, it was evident that the altercation of the evening before was known throughout the town. Observing the direction taken by Van Tricasse, the most obtuse Quiquendonians guessed that the burgomaster was on his way to take some important step. The Custos and Schut affair was talked of everywhere, but the people had not yet come to the point of taking the part of one or the other. The Advocate Schut, having never had occasion to plead in a town where attorneys and bailiffs only existed in tradition, had, consequently, never lost a suit. As for the Doctor Custos, he was an honorable practitioner, who, after the example of his fellow-doctors, cured all the illnesses of his patients, except those of which they died—a habit unhappily acquired by all the members of all the faculties in whatever country they may practice.
On reaching the Oudenarde gate, the counselor and the burgomaster prudently made a short detour, so as not to pass within reach of the tower, in case it should fall; then they turned and looked at it attentively.
"I think that it will fall," said Van Tricasse.
"I think so too," replied Niklausse.
"Unless it is propped up," added Van Tricasse. "But must it be propped up? That is the question."
"That is—in fact—the question."
Some moments after, they reached the door of the gas-works.
"Can we see Doctor Ox?" they asked.
Doctor Ox could always be seen by the first authorities of the town, and they were at once introduced into the celebrated physiologist's study.
Perhaps the two notables waited for the doctor at least an hour; at least it is reasonable to suppose so, as the burgomaster—a thing that had never before happened in his
