noon
he explained . `` On the contrary , '' said I fiercely , `` you go to the tourist bureau of Monsieur Cook in the Place de l'Opera , at the greatest speed the _ sergents de ville _ allow ! '' I must have mesmerized him , for he took me there obediently , casting hunted glances back at me from time to time when the traffic momentarily halted us , as if fearing to find that I was leveling a pistol at his head . It being noon , the office of the tourist bureau was almost deserted , a single , bored-looking , young French clerk keeping vigil behind the travelers ' counter . With the sociable instinct of his nation he brightened up at my appearance . `` I want , '' I announced , `` to ask about trains to Bleau . '' For a moment he looked blank ; then he smiled in understanding .