However, on reflection, he concluded
not to do so. An imperfect disguise would attract attention and
awaken suspicion; and could he really disguise his physiognomy? He
was certain he could not. Very few men are capable of doing so
successfully, even after long experience. Only two or three
detectives and half a dozen actors possess the art of really
changing their lineaments. Thus after weighing the pros and cons,
Pascal determined to present himself as he was at the marquis's
house.
On approaching M. de Valorsay's residence in the Avenue des Champs
Elysees, he slackened his pace. The mansion, which stood between
a courtyard and a garden, was very large and handsome. The
stables and carriage-house--really elegant structures--stood on
either side of the courtyard, near the half-open gate of which
five or six servants were amusing themselves by teasing a large
dog. Pascal was just saying to himself that the coast was clear,
and that he should incur no danger by going in, when he saw the
servants step aside, the gate swing back, and M. de Coralth
emerged, accompanied by a young, fair-haired man, whose mustaches
were waxed and turned up in the most audacious fashion. They were
arm in arm, and turned in the direction of the Arc de Triomphe.
Pascal's heart thrilled with joy. "Fate favors me!" he said to
himself. "If it hadn't been for Kami-Bey, who detained me a full
quarter of an hour at Baron Trigault's, I should have found myself
face to face with that miserable viscount, and then all would have
been lost.
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