He would do
this and that; he would have recourse to this ruse, he would take that
precaution. Useless forethought! Now, nothing he had imagined seemed
feasible. The police were seeking him, and he could think of no place in
the whole world where he would feel perfectly safe.
He was near the Odeon theatre, when a thought quicker than a flash of
lightning lit up the darkness of his brain.
It occurred to him that as the police were doubtless already in pursuit
of him, his description would soon be known to everyone, his white
cravat and well trimmed whiskers would betray him as surely as though he
carried a placard stating who he was.
Seeing a barber's shop, he hurried to the door; but, when on the point
of turning the handle, he grew frightened.
The barber might think it strange that he wanted his whiskers shaved
off, and supposing he should question him!
He passed on.
He soon saw another barber's shop, but the same fears as before again
prevented his entering.
Gradually night had fallen, and, with the darkness, Noel seemed to
recover his confidence and boldness.
After this great shipwreck in port, hope rose to the surface.
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