Chapter 8: VIII

VIII The Black Pearl A violent ringing of the bell awakened the concierge of number nine, avenue Hoche. She pulled the doorstring, grumbling: “I thought everybody was in. It must be three o’clock!” “Perhaps it is someone for the doctor,” muttered her husband. At that moment, a voice inquired: “Doctor Harel … what floor?” “Third floor, left. But the doctor won’t go out at night.” “He must go tonight.” The visitor entered the vestibule, ascended to the first floor, th…