ABSTRACT
Vansittart had given to Liancourt a bare summary of events, with a view towards seeking his advice as to further action, when a pistol-shot rang through the external lobby, coming apparently from the entrance hall. Colonel le Breton, followed by Jerome, hastened forth to inquire into this threatening circumstance. They were met on the stairs by Folliet, laughing heartily, Arizona Jim leisurely mounting the steps behind him, and fitting a fresh cartridge into an empty chamber of his revolver. One of Liancourt's first cares was to send to the newspaper offices a full and authentic account of the night's events, and also a statement of Vansittart's intentions, thus leaving no room for panic or sensational rumour. Placards to the same effect were posted throughout Paris, and when the City of Light poured her citizens into the streets, there was no lack of food for gossip in the early hours of the day.
